Galway 1-13

Clare   0-13

Eanna O’Reilly at Cusack Park

THE Galway senior camogie team recorded their second win of the championship after a testing encounter against Clare on Saturday evening in Ennis. A strong physical challenge from the Banner saw the Tribeswomen forced to work hard to secure this second round victory.

On a wet evening, Siobhán McGrath’s second half goal crucially gave the league champions some breathing space. Nevertheless, the home side stayed well in the hunt until full time when McGrath’s goal was all that separated the teams.

The match began under heavy rainfall in Cusack Park, with the visitors making a positive opening. Sabina Rabbitte sent over a point in the first minute, after a good pass from Niamh Hanniffy. Lorna McNamara opened Clare’s account a minute later, as she landed her first free at the other end.

Carrie Dolan soon nailed a difficult free for Galway from the left wing. Niamh Hanniffy then sent over an excellent score on the run, to make it 0-3 to 0-1. Five minutes later the home side were level, as McNamara added two points (one free) to her tally.

The teams traded 0-3 apiece, during a very even second quarter. Niamh McPeake (0-2) and Dolan (free) edged Galway ahead three times, but on each occasion, Clare replied with scores. Áine O’Loughlin and McNamara (two frees), ensured Galway never went more than one point ahead.

Clare were robust and turned the middle third into a physical battle zone, with some of their tackling crossing the line at times. O’Loughlin was lucky to escape with a yellow card after a loose swing on Sarah Dervan, shortly before half time. The scoreline of 0-6 apiece at the interval reflected the competitiveness of the Banner challenge.

Galway retook the lead shortly after the resumption. Hanniffy was involved again, providing a pass for Aoife Donohue, and the Mullagh star pointed from the left wing. Two minutes later, Rabbitte’s delivery fell to McGrath, who outpaced the Clare defence and placed her shot superbly in the top corner of the net.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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