Galway 1-13
Limerick 0-9
THE Galway senior camogie team return to the scene of the crime next Sunday when they renew hostilities with All-Ireland champions Kilkenny in the National League semi-final at Semple Stadium, (4pm).
Twice in Thurles in 2016, Galway’s trophy intentions were halted by Ann Downey’s Noresiders as Kilkenny took National League honours before accounting for the Tribeswomen after extra-time in the championship semi-final.
Kilkenny suffered defeat to Cork last weekend, their second of the campaign, but a superior scoring difference assured them their semi-final spot. For Galway, it was four wins from four as they discounted the Limerick challenge in Ballinasloe to take their place as Group B winners.
Laura Loughnane’s goal two minutes into the second half ensured Mark Dunne’s charges would continue their winning run and they looked in control at half-time, leading Limerick by 0-9 to 0-4.
While it took five minutes to get their tally running, Niamh Kilkenny stormed down the central channel to split the posts. It was the first of three from play for the five-time All-Star and she added her second four minutes later. But it bookended the Shannonsiders’ best chance.
Dearbhla Egan equalised on eight minutes but Limerick had the golden chance beforehand. Rebecca Delee got in range to strike a fierce shot goalwards but Galway’s full back Sarah Dervan stopped the sliothar cold before making the clearance.
It’s hard to judge where Galway are following a group in which they were never fully tested. Limerick provided a sterner examination than Clare, Offaly or Meath, butt Sunday’s semi-final will be their first teat this year against the recognised ‘Top Three’ and Galway’s position in 2017 should be clearer.
The Tribeswomen looked more focused than for their previous encounter with the Royal County and their leaders stood out with Dervan, Heather Cooney, Kilkenny and Ailish O’Reilly stamping their authority with Niamh McGrath returning following Sarsfields’ All-Ireland series.
McGrath set up Kilkenny for the second point and O’Reilly’s first free put Galway two ahead. Niamh Mulcahy reduced arrears as the maroon and white went 10 minutes without a score. But after O’Reilly made it 0-4 to 0-2 on 20 minutes, Galway added five more before the break.
Mulcahy and O’Reilly traded scores before Niamh Hanniffy set up Finola Keeley on 24 minutes, making it 0-6 to 0-3. The Limerick captain looked her team’s only visible threat and registered her third free before Kilkenny and O’Reilly (2) gave the Tribeswomen their interval advantage.
With the wind blowing towards the town goal, Limerick needed to use the elements but Galway hit 1-1 straight after the restart. O’Reilly scored from play within 28 seconds and played her part in the 32nd minute goal.
Full coverage in this week’s Connacht Tribune.
