Tipperary 3-10

Galway 1-13

By DARREN KELLY IN THE RAGG

FOR the second consecutive year, Tipperary had Galway’s number in the National Camogie League last Saturday as an Eimear McGrath hat-trick proved enough to give the Premier County their first victory of 2024.

The hosts put four green flags past the Tribeswomen last year but it didn’t stop Cathal Murray’s charges continuing to claim back-to-back league silverware.

Whether that’s a priority for the maroon and white this season remains to be seen, but they certainly got the desired test that was lacking in the win over Clare seven days earlier.

Taking this performance on its own merit, it was a poor day for Galway. Tipperary, who’d lost to Waterford in Round 1, brought the intensity early and didn’t let the visitors settle.

Galway’s forwards struggled to create opportunities against a tigerish rearguard that didn’t allow them time to breathe. They did improve during the final quarter but on this afternoon, the radar was malfunctioning and established names missed routine efforts they won’t again.

“You have to give kudos as well to Tipperary,” stated Murray afterwards. “They were really good today. Really physical as they always are. Took their chances. Really clinical.

“It wasn’t our best performance alright  Anytime you give away three goals like we did today, you’re not going to win a game.  Certainly not against Tipperary and certainly not down in the Ragg. But a lot of what we did was good.

“We’ve a lot of improving to do, certainly in a few areas. The league for us is about finding players. We got some really good performances again today which is pleasing.”

Another concern for Galway was allowing Tipperary begin attacks with uncontested short puck outs. It did materialise in bodies around the middle but sometimes Denis Kelly’s team bypassed that department.

Pictured: Galway’s Orlaith McGrath aims for the posts as Tipperary’s Caoimhe Maher and Clodagh McIntyre prepare to challenge during Saturday’s National League camogie tie in The Ragg. Photo: INPHO/James Lawlor