Tribeswomen out to restore pride in clash with Wexford

Date Published: 08-Jun-2011

Eoghan Cormican

Just over a month ago in Semple Stadium, the Galway camogie players trooped off the field at full-time after being subjected to a 3-10 to 0-10 masterclass from old foes Wexford. This Saturday in Belfield, Enniscorthy (3pm), the Tribeswomen are out to restore pride in the maroon and white jersey.

It is now 15 years since Galway secured their one and only All Ireland title and while hopes were high of eclipsing that gap following last year’s impressive run, the performance – or non performance as it transpired – in the league final hammered home the reality that Galway have it all to do if they are make the ascent up the steps of the Hogan Stand come September.

All of Galway’s old failings came home to roost on that Sunday in Thurles. Their inability to perform on the big stage was once more highlighted, while the defence was ripped to shreds by the pace and skill of Wexford’s attacking unit.

Consequently, Galway’s starting XV this Saturday will have a much different complexion than that which lined out in the league decider. Sandra Tannian (St Thomas) and Niamh Kilkenny (Pearses) are likely to line out among the forwards, while Athenry’s Therese Maher is heading in the opposite direction to bolster the defence.

That said, Galway will be without the services of Niamh McGrath, Rebecca Hennelly, Shauna Healy and Laura Mitchell all of who are exam tied. Nevertheless manger Noel Finn is optimistic about his side’s chances when speaking to Tribune Sport ahead of the fixture.

“The basic core work is done. The fitness is excellent. We’re probably a little bit ahead of where we were this time last year. Going to down to Wexford will be hard, but if we want to be contenders we have to be pushing them hard. We’re not going down to lose.”

“If we could get a result it would be a great confidence boost. We have a score to settle with them. The girls are anxious to atone for the past defeats against Wexford.

“We had a chance during the league final but fluffed it. We had them level, but missed our opportunities to go in front. We couldn’t make them come from behind.”

In any event, Galway will be hoping to run a much tighter ship in front of their own goal and they will need to against a Wexford full forward line in which Katrina Parrock and Lenny Holohan will pose a potent threat.

If Galway is to win this one, their forwards will need to score heavily. The 10 points amassed in the League decider, where a half back and midfielder scored more from play that the starting front six combined, will simply not be good enough.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.