Cork produced a late, late surge to see off Galway in a thrilling All-Ireland senior camogie championship semi-final at Nowlan Park last Saturday on a score-line of 3-10 to 0-12.
On 57 minutes Cork led 1-10 to 0-12 before midfielder Jennifer O’Leary powered forward to set up Katríona Mackey for a goal which looked to have killed off the Galway challenge.
Two minutes later Galway drove downfield, but unfortunately Aislinn Connolly and Veronica Curtin did not avail of a golden goal-scoring opportunity.
Deep into added time Síle Burns landed a third Cork goal to seal their place in September’s decider with Wexford.
It had all begun so differently. On nine minutes, following a brilliant point by Curtin, Galway looked confident leaders at 0-6 to 0-2, facing the wind. They were quicker to the ball, but struggled to convert possession into scores.
Galway failed to score in the first half after the 17th minute. A tenacious Cork midfield came more and more into matters, while centre-back Gemma O’Connor got to grips with the impressive Níamh McGrath.
The second-half was nip and tuck, with Galway still profligate in front of goal.
Then a wonderful brace of points from Níamh Kilkenny in the 38th and 39th minutes re-invigorated their challenge at 1-9 to 0-10. They threatened to break through, but never did better than paring the margin to the minimum.
The game was in the balance until O’Leary broke forward on that crucial run which Mackey finished well and Galway were left to rue their missed chances. The county’s wait for an All-Ireland senior title continues.
Galway: S Earner, S Tannian, S Dervan, L Ryan, S Cahalan, T Maher, R Glynn, N Kilkenny 0-2, AM Hayes, A Connolly 0-2, N McGrath 0-3 (2f ), B Hanney, V Curtin 0-3, M Conroy 0-1, O Kilkenny 0-1. Subs used: E Haverty, N Coen, O McGrath.
