Kelly’s late goal floors camogie champions

June 26th, 7:00am June 24th, 11:27am

Darren Kelly

Sports

Wexford 2-12

Galway 1-11

KATE Kelly’s goal from a long range free in injury time last Saturday proved the game’s pivotal moment as Galway’s defence of the All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship began with defeat.

After levelling affairs through Niamh McGrath and Aislinn Connolly, the momentum was with the Tribeswomen only for Kelly’s delivery to deceive the awaiting defence before Ursula Jacob ensured the win as Wexford took first blood in this year’s campaign.

It was disappointing for the hosts but it shouldn’t take away from a positive effort from Tony Ward’s charges who hadn’t played a competitive game in two months.

The Galway players couldn’t be faulted for effort and while their tracking and marking was loose, the maroon and white didn’t renege from their task throughout the 60 minutes.

Wexford’s threat was expected after their Leinster final win over Kilkenny and they opened the scoring after 44 seconds through Jacob. Galway’s equalised on five minutes with Niamh McGrath’s crossfield pass to Emma Kilkelly.

Indeed, McGrath was excellent in the first half. She won a free on seven minutes which she duly converted and added three more plus setting up Niamh Kilkenny for another white flag.

A game changing moment for Galway arrived on 27 minutes when they were rewarded a penalty. Kilkenny’s attempted point hit the woodwork and as Aoife Donohue was about to strike, she was fouled with no advantage as Noreen Coen faced an empty net.

McGrath struck the penalty but Mags Darcy produced a save and Wexford eventually led 0-7 to 0-6 at half-time thanks to Jacob, Brid Gordon and Shelley Kehoe. It was in midfield where Wexford were most influential as Kehoe and Josie Dwyer’s dominance was evident.

Full report in this week’s Connacht Tribune.