Tribeswomen defy outsiders’ status with thundering All-Ireland final display

Cork 1-13

IN the annals of Galway’s greatest All-Ireland GAA triumphs at senior level, what unfolded at Croke Park on Sunday stands with the best of them.

The outsiders from the west pulled off a stunning upset victory over three-in-a-row title chasing Cork in a thrilling camogie showdown. And it was no fluke success or happened by accident either.

Instead, the Tribeswomen earned the ultimate reward for tearing into the Rebels from the throw-in, forcing a multitude of opposition turnovers in capturing the county’s fifth All-Ireland title – three of which have, significantly, come under manager Cathal Murray’s stewardship.

The key component of Galway’s mighty achievement was a savage work ethic and intensity – typified by the outstanding Aoife Donohue – which knocked the champions off their stride and prevented them from establishing their normal levels of cohesiveness.

Ultimately, a physical battle for supremacy was decided by a magnificent 62nd minute free from the Cusack Stand side of the field and, fittingly, it was team captain Carrie Dolan who showed nerves of steel when the pressure was at its greatest.

On balance, Galway deserved their narrow win if only because of their defiant attitude towards a team which some commentators believed was unbeatable. They weren’t overawed or intimidated; instead, the women in maroon jerseys were inspired.

Driven by the hurt of last year’s slightly unlucky final defeat to the same opposition, Galway produced their best display of the season on the most important occasion of all. That’s what champions do; and the Tribeswomen deserve enormous credit for fronting up in such spectacular fashion.

Immediately from the throw-in, you got a sense that Galway were prepared to scatter opposition bodies in their pursuit of victory. There was no easing themselves into the final; they wanted to carry the fight to Cork from the off, to lay down a marker.

Tactically, Galway were also in the zone. They conceded the short puck-out almost every time before descending on the Cork player in possession like a pack of hungry wolves. The title-holders were hassled and harried for the 60-plus minutes,

But don’t think Galway’s upsetting of the odds was down to sheer graft and tenacity alone – qualities underlined by unsung heroes like Rachael Hanniffy and the long-serving Annmarie Starr, who together with Donohue and Ailish O’Reilly was winning a fourth All-Ireland senior medal – as they also served up an exhibition of some of the finer skills of the sport.

O’Reilly’s opening point, for instance, was brilliantly created by Dolan and Niamh Mallon; goalkeeper Sarah Healy saved a first-half penalty; while Mairéad Dillon brilliantly finished to the net in the 14th minute.

There were many more highlights, not least young Ciara Hickey performing superbly in the sweeper role, but overall, this was a day of redemption for these consistent Galway players who were appearing in their fifth All-Ireland Final over the past seven years.

Pictured: Galway's Annmarie Starr and Roisín Black celebrate a turnover against Cork in the All-Ireland Senior Camogie Final at Croke Park on Sunday. Photo: INPHO/Ben Brady.