Killimor 2-9

Sarsfields B 2-9

By Ivan Smyth at Duggan Park

KILLIMOR came from nine points down at half time to force a replay in a gripping Intermediate county final at Duggan Park on Saturday.

There were real fears from a Killimor perspective when they trailed 2-7 to 1-1 at half time, having been outplayed and outfought during the opening half that they would come unstuck in the final once more after losing out in last year’s decider. Killimor enjoyed wind advantage in the second period, but the elements were not strong enough and, more importantly, the performance levels were not at the level required in the opening half to breed confidence from the outside looking in.

But they managed to find a way to secure another crack at the title although they did see late chances to win the game go abegging. After Niamh Horan had tied the game with her fifth converted free in the 57th minute, Killimor had all the momentum and pressed the action. Caoimhe Starr was twice blocked down as Sarsfields, as they so often do, put their hurls and bodies in harm’s way to prevent a score.

Despite the New Inn/Bullaun outfit momentarily reliving pressure, joint captain Roisin Starr showed her leadership when driving forward and earning her side a free on the ’45. Distance was never going to be an issue for Horan, who had earlier slotted a free from just outside the ’65 but the angle was tricky.

In the end, her free from the stand side of Duggan Park tailed outside the right hand post. Sarsfields had possession through Mary Brigid Cosgrove in the Killimor half when the full time whistle blared out and were left momentarily frustrated to not be allowed to pursue a final attack. However, they had failed to score from play in the second half and as spectators filtered out of the venue, there was a general sense that both sides deserved another crack at this one.

Sarsfields entered this contest as hefty underdogs. Having only claimed the Junior A title last year and after losing three of their four group games in this campaign, they have grown immeasurably during the knockout stages. They were full value for their nine point half time lead as they bagged 2-4 without reply in the second quarter. Even in the opening quarter, they appeared two steps ahead as Cosgrove’s accurate free taking and Sheena Warde’s score after Elysia Cox won ruck ball gave the outsiders the ideal start.

Killimor were struggling to retain their puckouts and were getting hemmed back but in a rare foray forward, Eimear Porter, who has represented her country in karate, arrowed over to kickstart her side’s challenge. After Roisin Starr fielded the resulting puckout she teed up Caoimhe Starr who picked out Maeve Muldoon who slotted to the net to give Killimor the lead against the run of play.

Yet, this young Sarsfields side were not perturbed as from the next puckout, the influential Warde won possession before Ciara Kyne was denied by a fine Leah Horan save. Even though Sarsfields’ Jasmine Scully needed to be sharp to prevent possession reaching Porter, who had a clean run at goal, Sarsfields began to crank up the pressure.

Pictured: Sarsfields’ wing forward Hazel Fahy breaking away from Sandra Brehony of Killimor during Saturday’s Galway Intermediate Camogie Final at Duggan Park. Photos: Joe Keane.