Galway 3-19
Clare 0-7
Galway proved too strong for the Clare outfit who are in transition throughout the contest, despite the visitors opening the scoring on the first minute with a point from Caoimhe Cahill.
Niamh Mallon, Niamh McPeake and Sabina Rabbitte all replied with points from play to get Galway off the mark. Aine O’Loughlin followed up with a free on the ninth minute to leave one between the sides.
Galway then began to open Clare up. Niamh Mallon found the back of the net on the 10th minute, while Mallon also added two points to her tally, and then McPeake shot another score to leave it Galway 1-6 Clare 0-2 after 13 minutes.
Caoimhe Carmody got a good score from play on the 20th minute for Clare, but Galway had their shooting boots on as Mallon, Carrie Dolan (2 frees ) and Ailish O’Reilly all added to Galway’s tally.
Cahill and Ellen Casey got two quick fire points for Clare, but it was Galway which finished the half the strongest with points from Doland and Orlaith McGrath as Galway went in in front on a scoreline of 1-12 to 0-5.
Galway had a strong second half showing, holding Clare to two points throughout the half.
It was Laura Foley who got the first score of the half on the 35th minute through a free. Galway went on to score 1-7 without reply. Malon replied straight away with her second goal of the day while McPeake(0-2 ), Ailish O’Reilly (0-4, 0-2F ) and substitute Niamh Niland all added to the scoresheet for Galway. Foley did add a free for Clare in extra time but it was Galway who had the final say as O’Reilly found the back of the Clare net on the 4th minute of added time as it finished Galway 3-19 Clare 0-7.
Galway will be delighted to have picked up another victory. With a spot in the quarter finals secured, they will be hoping that they can go down to Cork next Saturday and overcome them to book their place directly in the semi finals.
