Cork 7-9
Galway 3-9
A blistering start from Cork dashed Galway’s hopes of a first All Ireland at u-14 level on Sunday.
Three Cork goals in the opening 10 minutes had Galway facing an uphill battle throughgout this decider in Bruff, and although they staged a strong second-half comeback, it was not enough to see of the title favourites.
Cork looked unbeatable in the opening half, racking up a 15-point lead at the break. Michelle Dunleavy and Mairead Ni Loinsigh split open the Cork defence on a number of occasions, while Galway grabbed a goal from Louise Ward, and three points on the trot, but it was always going to be a huge task to come back.
However the second half belonged to Galway who gave their all, and at the mid way stage of the half, Galway had closed the deficit to just five points. However Cork finished the way they began, adding two more goals to seal victory.
The Gawlay u-16s played Rosscommon in Dunmore, winning by 4-12 to 3-8. It took Galway some time to settle, and they finally got on the score sheet when Louise Reilly scored a point. At half time Galway led by 1 - 9 to 2 - 2, and although both teams upped their game in the second half, three goals were enough to see off the Roscommon challenge.
Iin Tuam Stadium Galway won the minor title, beating Mayo 3-17 to 1-9. This was a good team display with strong performances from captain Gillian O Connor, Deirdre Lawless, Michelle Burke, Eilis Gannon, S Divilly, and S Lynch.
This weekend Galway seniors and juniors face neighbours and close rivals Mayo in O’Hara Park Charlestown, with the first game scheduled for 12 noon.
