Galway Ladies face a crucial clash with Dublin in Parnell Park on Sunday with a division one league semi-final place still within reach.
Having been surprised by Cork last weeend, losing by 6-15 to 1-11, Galway need to review last weekend's failings and dust themselves down quickly ahead of Sunday's round six.
Although Dublin are currently in second place on the league table, they are just three points ahead of Galway, who along with Cork and Kerry are on nine points, while Mayo lead with 18.
Last Saturday in Tuam Stadiuim Cork's Orla Finn, the best player on show, grabbed her side’s opening goal after seven minutes. Galway kept within Cork’s reach for much of the half with Roisin Leonard (three ), Louise Ward, Edel Concannon and Deirdre Brennan all pointing.
Although having lost three times league matches this salon, the 10-times All-Ireland champions found their groove, thrice hitting the back of the Galway net from the 25th to the 27th minutes through Aine O’Sullivan (two ) and Ciara O’Sullivan. The goals helped see Cork into a 4-9 to 0-8 lead at the break, during which the Galway 1985 All-Ireland winning Junior team were honoured.
Galway started the second period with intent, and sub Gillian O’Connor was awarded a penalty in the 32nd minute. Leonard sent her spot kick wide, and had a second one saved by Cork goalie Martina O’Brien seven minutes later, but did manage to slot home the rebound from that effort. Cork kicked on the afterburners when needed though, scoring two more goals before full time through Anne Walsh and captain Ciara O’Sullivan.
Galway: T Hughes; S Hynes, S Gormally, N Connolly; F Cooney, N Ward, M Heneghan; L Gannon, M Glynn; O Divilly, LWard (0-2 ), M Seoighe; D Brennan (0-1 ), R Leonard (1-7 ), E Concannon (0-1 ). Subs: P Gleeson for Brennan (32 ); G O’Connor for Glynn (HT ); N Burke for Cooney (HT ); C Cooney for Seoighe (46 ).
