By the time the final whistle blew at UPMC Nowlan Park, there was little doubt left — Cork were now just one step away from completing a historic three-in-a-row. Their 1-21 to 1-11 semi-final win over a spirited Waterford side was, on the scoreboard at least, comfortable. But behind the figures was a ferocious battle, one that pushed Ger Manley’s side to dig deep and remind everyone exactly why they are the dominant force in camogie.
It took a late burst of brilliance from substitute Orlaith Mullins, who scored 1-2 after being sprung from the bench in the 57th minute, to finally kill off Waterford’s hopes of a late resurgence. Her goal, followed by two sharp points in injury time, was the final flourish in a performance built on patience, composure, and layers of class all over the field.
“We expected that from Waterford,” admitted Cork manager Manley. “They’ve been very good all year. But we showed again what kind of a team we are. At half-time, we asked the girls to step it up, and they did. In the second half, I thought they were excellent.”
The victory was built on more than just talent. Cork were battle-hardened after coasting through the early rounds of the championship, with an average winning margin of 23 points. That led many outside the camp to question whether they had been properly tested ahead of the knock-out stages. Inside the group, however, there was never any concern. Players like Saoirse McCarthy brushed off the suggestion that their dominance had dulled their edge.
“That gets thrown around a lot, but we don’t read into it,” said McCarthy. “Our performances haven’t dipped. That’s something people outside worry about, not us.”
And she was right. On Saturday, Cork were pushed hard, particularly in the first half when Waterford, led by a superb Beth Carton, edged ahead 1-7 to 0-9 at the break. Carton was near unmarkable at times, scoring a goal and three points from play, while the Déise backs, especially Vikki Falconer and Keely Corbett Barry, were dogged and physical, frustrating Cork’s forwards early on.
But slowly, methodically, Cork adapted. They moved the ball more deliberately, found width, and began sending the electric Saoirse McCarthy down Waterford’s flanks. With Katrina Mackey and Sorcha McCartan chipping in with scores, the Rebels began to turn the screw. Aoife Healy and Laura Hayes seized control around the middle, and Cork’s fitness and fluidity began to tell.
The introduction of Orlaith Mullins proved decisive. Her impact was instant, and her goal — coming just minutes from the end — was the psychological dagger Waterford couldn’t recover from.
“It’s a great feeling to come on and score like that,” said a beaming Mullins afterwards. “I just wanted to make a mark and help the team. We’ve got such experienced players, and then fresh legs off the bench. It all just clicked in that last ten minutes.”
For manager Manley, Mullins’ cameo was yet another example of Cork’s strength in depth. “The bench plays a huge part for us. She came on, made an impact, and that’s what we want — players ready to finish games strong.”
Cork now turn their attention to Galway, the only side to beat them this year — a 0-19 to 0-13 League loss that came with the caveat of a weakened Cork selection. Still, that result won’t have been forgotten by either side.
Galway, managed by Cathal Murray, bring with them experience, pedigree, and a desire to avenge last year’s narrow final loss. Players like Carrie Dolan and Niamh Mallon — responsible for a whopping 57% of Galway’s championship scores — will be crucial to their hopes. Dolan, especially, has been in scintillating form this summer as captain, but Galway’s heavy reliance on their top scorers is a concern.
In contrast, Cork are spread out in their threat. Amy O’Connor and Beth Carton sit joint-top of the championship’s from-play scoring chart with 24 points each, but O’Connor’s 5-9 has come with devastating accuracy inside, while Clodagh Finn, now a starting regular, has chipped in with 4-7 of her own.
Cork’s last defeat in championship camogie came in that League loss to Galway — since then, it’s been ten wins from eleven outings. Their hunger for another title is burning bright, and the pain of failed three-in-a-row bids in 2016 and 2019 still lingers. The last time Cork completed such a feat was in 1972. This team now stands one win away from writing their names into history alongside that legendary squad.
History beckons
“We’re back to where we wanted to be from the start of the year,” Manley reflected. “But will that semi-final performance be enough for a final? Probably not. We’ll need to step it up again.”
Cork know better than most that Galway will bring intensity, physicality, and fight. Last year’s All-Ireland final was a war of attrition, and a similar clash is expected on August 10. But Cork, with their mix of seasoned warriors and rising stars, appear primed to face it.
Their route to the final has been as dominant as it has been disciplined. They’ve scored freely, defended with purpose, and used their squad to full effect. In a championship where imbalance has been stark — 12 of the 22 games ending in double-digit margins — Cork have remained focused on one thing: silverware.
As new Camogie Association president Brian Molloy pushes for record-breaking attendances, with a vision of 50,000 fans in Croke Park for the 2026 final, this year’s decider might just be the spark. Cork versus Galway is the rivalry modern camogie deserves — two proud counties, laden with talent, each chasing a legacy.
For Cork, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A three-in-a-row would not only cement their dynasty but exorcise the ghosts of near-misses past. For Galway, it’s a shot at redemption, and perhaps the only team left capable of stopping Cork’s relentless march.
Whatever happens on August 10, history will be made. But if Cork’s form, firepower, and focus are anything to go by, the three-in-a-row might soon move from ambition to achievement — 53 years after it was last done in red.
