Galway overcame Kerry by Galway 2-17 Kerry 0-6 in the third round of the Glen Dimplex Intermediate Championship in Kenny Park Athenry on Saturday to top the group and book their place in the championship's semi-final.
Galway, who lined out with four changes from their last victory over Dublin, were on top throughout, and were ruthless to ensure they nailed their spot in the semi-final stages.
Kerry started the brightest when Caoimhe Spillane slotted over a point for the Kingdom, but Galway responded with well-taken points from captain Lisa Casserly, Tegan Canning and Niamh McPeake. Amy O'Sullivan, who was accurate with frees throughout the contest, replied with a point to leave one between the teams before Canning and O’Sullivan then exchanged scores as Galway led by 0-4 Kerry 0-3.
Katie Gilchrist, through a free, and Canning added to the scoreline before Olwen Rabbitte, making her first start for the intermediate team, made no mistake when striking the ball in the back of the net. O’Sullivan replied with a free for the Kingdom, but Gilchrist, through a free, Rabbitte and Laura Loughnane, all replied with scores for Galway to extend their lead.
O’Sullivan, who was Kerry’s top scorer for the contest and Canning exchanged scores at the end of the half to leave it Galway 1-10 Kerry 0-5.
Within 30 seconds of the restart Cora Kenny had struck a point, while Sarah Lawlor replied seven minutes later with what was Kerry’s only score of the half.
The Galway onslaught continued with substitute Niamh McInerny (3 ), Canning and Kenny (2 ) all adding points to Galway’s tally, while Kenny also added Galway’s second major of the game on the 53rd minute.
Galway: Fiona Ryan, Caoimhe Reidy, Sarah Lyons, Ciara Hickey, Ciara Donohue, Lisa Casserly (c ) (0-1 ), Katie Manning, Jennifer Hughes, Tegan Canning (vc ) (0-5 ), Olwen Rabbitte (1-1 ), Siobhan Divilly, Laura Loughnane (0-1 ), Cora Kenny (1-3, 0-1F ), Niamh McPeake (0-1 ), Katie Gilchrist (0-2, 0-2F ). Subs, Alannah Kelly for J Hughes, Niamh McInerny (0-3 ) for L Loughnane, Shannon Corcoran for K Gilchrist, Laura Kelly for O Rabbitte, Katie Anna Porter for C Hickey.
