Tipperary 4-9

Galway 1-9

Eanna O’Reilly at the Ragg

Galway suffered a comprehensive defeat to Tipperary on Saturday afternoon at the Ragg on the opening weekend of the National Camogie League, the nine point defeat in a flat performance being Galway’s heaviest competitive loss since Cathal Murray became manager in 2018.

An experimental and youthful looking Galway team struggled from the outset against a Tipp side which looked sharper, hungrier, and physically stronger throughout the field. Galway began with five players making their first senior appearance, all of whom were part of last year’s intermediate All-Ireland winning side.

The home side made the best possible start, when centre back Karen Kennedy made a strong run forward, before playing a one-two with Courtney Ryan and firing to the net. Galway replied with a goal of their own, when Carrie Dolan’s long range free was fumbled by Tipp ‘keeper Caoimhe Bourke and landed over the goal line.

The Blue and Gold subsequently took over however, with Eimear McGrath landing four consecutive points (three frees), as Galway’s defensive indiscipline was punished by the Drom & Inch player.

Dolan replied with a good point from the right wing, but McGrath soon had her fourth free at the other end, to make it 1-5 to 1-1. Two minutes later, a turnover in the Galway defence saw Tipp’s Grace O’Brien set up Róisín Howard, who blasted past Fiona Ryan for a goal.

Dolan and McGrath traded frees, leaving the home side seven points ahead. Áine Keane then scored a terrific point for Galway from the left corner, but Tipp had the final say of the half with another goal.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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