Sarsfields’ glory bid comes up short for second year running

Slaughtneil 2-11

Sarsfields 1-9

GALWAY’S struggles in chasing All-Ireland honours at inter county level are well documented, but it pales in comparison to the heartache associated with club camogie’s biggest prize.

For the sixth successive year, the Galway champions competed in the decider but were left only with the thoughts of what might have been.

This wasn’t Croke Park and learning the venue had changed just four days before the showdown didn’t help either team. But thanks to some lucky breaks and mainly a commanding second half, Slaughtneil successfully retained the Bill Carroll Cup.

Everything changed midway during the second half. A physical yet entertaining battle saw Sarsfields’ young slingers hold their own with the defending champions and the teams were locked at 1-7 apiece on 37 minutes.

Tina Hannon’s transfer from Offaly’s Naomh Brid to the Derry top dogs had reaped dividends during the campaign after last year’s final goal scorer Mary Kelly moved abroad. And in her 1-8 contribution, her score on 40 minutes put Slaughtneil ahead.

However, Sarsfields had more urgent concerns as it was evident that Niamh McGrath was struggling with what looked a hamstring problem upon her return for the second period. Despite her brave efforts to battle on, the management had no choice but to call her ashore.

And within minutes, the match’s defining moment gave the Ulster champions a buffer. Shannon Graham’s run eventually forced Erica Leslie into conceding the penalty. Louise Dougan buried her shot to the net and Slaughtneil had a four point margin.

Full coverage in this week’s Connacht Tribune.