Champions Galway enjoyed a strong start in defence of their All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship crown last weekend.
Cathal Murray's charges powered their way to a 5-17 to 3-9 victory over Wexford in their group one tie at Bellefield.
A fourth-minute goal from Catherine Finnerty gave Galway the perfect start, and although Wexford replied through Mag Byrne, Galway added a second in the 10th minute. Aoife Donohoe, who was on fire, provided Ailish O’Reilly, who rounded her marker and finished to the net for her first major.
Wexford's high workrate reduced the margin to four, but just before the break Caitriona Cormican added a point and O’Reilly bagged her second goal for a 3-9 to 1-7 advantage.
However, Wexford came out in the second half with renewed vigour, and after an early Chloe Foxe free, they produced a superb attack which was finished when Joanne Dillon finished to the net from 13m.
Galway's response was swift with Niamh Hanniffy capitalising on a loose pass to grab a fourth goal before Donohue secured the fifth from breaking ball.
Although Wexford finished a Sarah O’Connor goal, Murray was understandably happy with the victory.
“Coming down to Wexford and scoring 5-17, that’s a very good score”, said Murray. “There are plenty things to work on as well. We conceded three goals and looked rusty at times.
“Wexford was definitely the better team in the second quarter. We struggled a lot with their movement and didn’t really track our runners, but we regrouped at half-time and the second half was really, really good.
“We have a really good panel. We’ve an awful lot of quality. The girls are working really hard and when they get the chances, they have to take them. You need that competition for places. Plenty put up their hand today and that’s really good going forward.”
