Mullagh tipped to gain revenge on Ardrahan

IN a repeat of the 2013 final, Ardrahan and Mullagh lock horns on Sunday (Loughrea, 3pm) to decide this year’s Galway senior camogie champions.

If their meeting 12 months ago was a novelty, they are familiar foes now. Ardrahan shocked the county when they beat Mullagh 3-8 to 1-7. Only two years in the senior ranks, goals from Denise Diviney and Cliodhna Walsh secured a maiden title. From there, they reached Croke Park in March going down by just one point to Cork’s Milford.

Since then, Ardrahan have come through the championship unbeaten only suffering a league final loss to Mullagh. They opened with a 2-16 to 2-9 win over Sarsfields before accounting for Pearses (2-14 to 1-6), St. Thomas (0-12 to 1-6) and Portumna (3-20 to 1-6) to ensure their place in the semi-finals.

That final four game saw a repeat encounter with St. Thomas’ and after a first half under pressure, the defending champions found their way to run out 1-11 to 1-6 winners.

“We were under pressure,” said Ardrahan manager Mike Carr. “Our six unit in the backs and midfield kept them out. Thankfully, our forwards then came into it and we played well. Our backs kept us in the game.”

It’s been a difficult summer for the South Galway side with Aoife Lynskey, Rebecca Hennelly and Edel Holland out of action. “It’s great to be here,” added Carr. “We’ve come through some big losses losing Aoife Lynskey and our top scorer (Hennelly).

“We always knew we’ve a strong panel to pick from. They’ve nearly two years of senior behind them now, especially the minors. It’s going to go down to the wire with Mullagh. It’ll be who wants it most.”

That semi-final win saw Ardrahan’s defence hold firm with captain Aisling Brennan at corner back and Galway’s number 6 Shauna Healy standing out. But it was a solid display from a unit who only conceded three points from play, including Roisin Gardiner in goal, Olivia and Sarah Keehan, Megan Carr and Marguerite Howley.

Full preview in this week’s Connacht Tribune.