Cork 1-6

Galway  0-5

DARREN KELLY IN BISHOPSTOWN

TO say that Daniel Moynihan’s reign as Galway senior ladies football manager got off to a stormy start last Sunday would be an understatement as the Tribeswomen commenced their National League campaign with a four-point defeat in horrible conditions.

The decision for this game to go ahead has to be questionable after Galway was hit with a red wind warning for that evening, putting supporters at risk and giving the team a difficult journey home.

Conditions weren’t any better in the Cork city venue. While the 4G surface in Bishopstown, a late change after Mallow was ruled out, was as superb as any could be in the country, both teams played into gale force wind, rain and hailstones which wasn’t fair on the players.

“I don’t think so,” acknowledged Moynihan when asked whether the game should have been played. “I think it was pretty, pretty, pretty bad weather.

“We’re facing into that on the way back home as well. The game was played and we just had to live with it. Both teams had to deal with the factors that were involved. It’s just one of those things unfortunately.”

It was an opinion shared by Cork stewards who battled the elements to ensure everything went ahead as planned. Even the home side had squad members travelling over an hour from the Rebel County’s peninsulas exposed to the tough conditions inflicted by Storm Isha.

But regardless, the teams took to the field and Galway made the brighter start. With Leanne Coen conducting, the visitors held possession for the opening three minutes before captain Ailbhe Davoren was fouled. Aoife O’Rourke slotted over the free.

It was the only time Galway led as they faced the full brunt of the weather in the first half. There were nine changes from the side that went down to Mayo in last year’s quarter-final, with the Kilkerrin/Clonberne contingent unavailable and Tracey Leonard recently retired.

Survivors from Pearse Stadium last July were defenders Kate Geraghty, Aoife Ní Cheallaigh and Sarah Lynch, Coen in midfield and Davoren up front. Aoife Molloy also transitioned from defence to attack while Róisín Leonard was introduced during the second period.

After withstanding the initial Galway ‘storm,’ Shane Ronayne’s Cork started to control proceedings and dominated the first half taking a 0-6 to 0-1 lead at the break.

Pictured: Galway defender Lydia McDonagh tussling for possession with Eimilie Gavin of Cork during Sunday’s National League Ladies Football clash in Bishopstown. Photos: John McDermott.