Ring-rusty Galway camogie team fall to the Cats

Kilkenny 2-11

Galway 0-8

EVERY great party ultimately produces a severe hangover and Galway’s heads were sore after this encounter last Sunday as Kilkenny showed their intent with this comprehensive win in the opening game of the National Camogie League.

Too much can’t be read into this Galway display on the back of a 23 week celebration since their All-Ireland win last September. Missing seven of that starting 15 and also minus the Ardrahan players, quite simply the maroon and white were off the pace against opponents well advanced in their preparations.

One would swear the O’Duffy Cup was on the line such was Kilkenny’s intensity. Featuring 12 from the All-Ireland final team, the Noresiders were determined to make a statement. Sadly, that determination resulted in them ignoring the traditional guard of honour for the defending champions’ first game, but all in Ballinasloe left in the knowledge that the black and amber have serious ambitions this year.

From the start, Kilkenny looked relentless. Their half back line of Mairead Power, Edwina Keane and Elaine Aylward were cleaning up; Aisling Dunphy looked comfortable in midfield; while Michelle Quilty and Shelly Farrell were causing problems up front.

In contrast, Galway were shell-shocked and struggled to develop momentum. Niamh Kilkenny produced her usual consistent display in midfield and Heather Cooney had a solid second half at full back. But having just got back together less than a month ago, this encounter probably came too soon for Tony Ward’s charges and no doubt they will be much more fluid ahead of the trip to Limerick on March 16.

Quilty opened Kilkenny’s account on five minutes before Niamh Kilkenny replied with a Galway free but the Leinster side’s first blow arrived three minutes afterwards. Farrell was causing problems at full forward and eventually maneuvered room for a shot well saved by Susan Earner, but the breaking ball fell kindly for Aoife Neary who stroked it over the line for the first goal.

The visitors were in control and proceeded to pull away. Denise Gaule sent over a free but a neat move involving Emma Kilkelly allowed Maria Cooney point from play for Galway to leave it 1-2 to 0-2 on the quarter hour.