Galway 1-11 

Cork 1-8

By Eanna O’Reilly at the Gaelic Grounds

GALWAY pulled a huge upset to claim the inaugural All-Ireland under 23 camogie championship title on Saturday afternoon after a well deserved victory over Cork at the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick.

The honour of becoming the first county named on the trophy is one of great significance to Galway camogie in a competition which is bound to grow in status as the years progress.

On a day of scorching temperatures in Limerick, the Galway players produced a performance worthy of such an honour. Cathal Murray’s charges displayed immense heart, determination, and no little skill in overcoming a much fancied Cork side who had beaten them convincingly in the group stages.

The pace of the game and the level of endeavour displayed by both sides on an extremely warm afternoon were a credit to both Galway and Cork. The two teams provided an entertaining spectacle for their respective supporters, and in the end, it was those in maroon and white who were celebrating at the full time whistle.

The first half saw both teams settle quickly, and the action was very evenly contested. Salthill-Knocknacarra forward Laura Kelly opened the scoring with her first pointed free. Cork soon responded with a point from Claudia Keane.

A good score from Niamh McNabola put the Leesiders ahead shortly after, but Galway equalised when Niamh McInerney struck a neat point over her shoulder from close range. The sides continued to go score for score as the first half progressed.

Keane’s second point put Cork ahead by 0-3 to 0-2. The Rebels then had a goal chance when Amy Sheppard broke inside the Galway defence, only for Ava Crowe to make a superb hook to deny the corner forward.

At the other end, a crossfield ball from McInerney found her clubmate Katie Gilchrist, who was fouled with a clear path to goal. Kelly converted the free to level the contest, before she edged Galway ahead four minutes later, after a foul on Cora Kenny.

Pictured: Cork’s Caoimhe Buckley and Galway’s Kayla Madden tussling for possession during Saturday’s All-Ireland U-23 camogie final at the Gaelic Grounds. Photo: INPHO/Lorraine O’Sullivan.