Galway take on Kilkenny in the All-Ireland semi-final this Saturday afternoon in Semple Stadium.
The reigning All-Ireland champions look to continue their title defence against the Cats. Galway booked immediate passage to the last four with a convincing victory over Tipperary at Kenny Park last month.
Cathal Murray's side were imperious in that must-win contest against Tipp. After losing the opening round to Cork, the Tribeswomen won their following two games against Waterford and Tipperary to cement their semi-final place.
Murray's decisions paid dividends as Caoimhe Kelly, one of two changes to the starting XV, shot 1-4. The Sarsfield forward made an immediate impact with 1-1 in the game's opening minutes. The Tribeswomen shot 1-4 without reply after the interval thanks to a Niamh McPeake green flag and four Carrie Dolan points to give Tipperary no chance of coming back.
Their opponents on Saturday, Kilkenny, defeated Na Deise 2-19 to 1-19 after extra-time in Croke Park on July 4.
Kilkenny's Aoife Prendergast displayed her threat from the dead ball as she shot 0-9, eight being frees, against Waterford in their semi-final. Katie Nolan's two extra-time goals were the difference, as well as a player of the match performance from Laura Murphy. Murphy scored 0-4, despite having to leave the field for treatment early in the game and re-appearing with a heavy strapping on her leg.
Galway tasted defeat at the hands of Kilkenny in their league meeting earlier in the year. But the Tribeswomen are a different prospect this time around. Preparations for that game last February were hindered by being stuck in a snowstorm in New York on holiday celebrating their O'Duffy Cup success.
They will need to be at their best to overcome a Kilkenny side bidding to make their first All-Ireland decider since 2022. The extra rest should benefit them. Their winning know-how could prove crucial.
Throw-in is 4pm in the first of a double-header at Semple Stadium with the other semi-final clash between Cork and Tipperary taking place afterwards at 6pm.
