Veronica Curtin, Galway’s only survivor from the All-Ireland camogie success of 1996, came off the bench last Saturday to inspire Galway to a 2-14 to 0-9 victory over their nemesis Wexford in the All-Ireland senior championship in Enniscorthy.
Curtin scored two goals in the first-half injury time to help Galway to a five-point half-time lead against the home side which had denied them league and All-Ireland titles last season.
This victory over the championship favourites will have provided a huge fillip for Galway who now face Clare on Saturday in Kenny Park, Athenry, at 2pm.
The Clare girls went down 3-16 to 0-10 against Cork last weekend and Galway will be hopeful of another win to maintain this winning momentum.
Galway have been rejigging their team for 2011 and last weekend they started with the experienced Therese Maher at centre-back, and her accomplished display earned her the Player of the Match award.
Ann Marie Hayes also had a fine game and goalkeeper Susan Earner made a few terrific saves to thwart the champions.
Ursula Jacob was on song from frees for Wexford, but the Galway ladies hit seven successive points in the second half to see them home. Aislinn Connolly, who scored 0-7 in total, and Curtin were to the fore.
Before last weekend Wexford, favourites to retain the championship title this year, had beaten Galway on the last three occasions, and Galway’s victory is a positive portent for the coming few months.
In the intermediate championship Galway draw with Wexford by 2-8 to 0-14.
