Galway 4-9
Cork 1-15

Darren Kelly in Limerick

TWO scoring sprees, including a devastating 3-2, produced the platform for Galway last Sunday as they reached their third All-Ireland under 16 camogie final in four years.

Underage camogie has never been stronger in the west with their minors already been successful and there’s every reason to believe this team have the potential to progress also.

On the ball, Galway are very skilful and well able to score as their 4-9 from play showed. Even though Cork enjoyed as much possession, the Tribesgirls were ruthless when presented with opportunities.

However, the fact that the Rebels had more chances will concern Lorraine Larkin ahead of Sunday week’s (August 5th) final. They did show examples of their potential through midfielder Derbhla Higgins, corner back Laura Sweeney, and the half back line of Andrea Mullins, Niamh Hannify and Eleanor Stafford. But generally, Galway’s tracking off the ball and their defending was loose and a more clinical front six would have punished the maroon and white severely.

Cork took an early 0-2 to 0-1 lead and nearly got in for goal when Claire Sexton’s run on the left was blocked by Hannify before Tara Murphy took possession. Melinda Earls had pointed for Galway but then they hit their 3-2 in a five minute spell to take a 3-3 to 0-3 advantage.

On eight minutes, Earls picked out the unmarked Erica Coen and the Mullagh corner forward struck the first goal to give Galway a lead they never surrendered. Sexton responded with a Cork point but Ciana Ni Churraoin’s white flag restored Galway’s two point advantage.

Patricia Manning was denied another goal, but Galway would achieve goal number two by the 12th minute. Cork were losing puck outs to the fielding of Athenry midfielder Higgins and one was sent straight back to the danger area where Coen took possession for her second green flag.

The Tribesgirls were in the ascendancy and didn’t waste time seeking the hat trick. Straight from Sarah O’Sullivan’s puck put, Galway launched another attack and Cliodhna Walsh ran at the opposing defence before striking to the net. When Earls split the posts 60 seconds later, Galway looked out of sight.

This Cork team deserve credit for refusing to throw in the towel and they fought back into contention to trail by only four at half-time (3-4 to 0-9) but were heavily dependent on Sexton and Linda Collins inside along with Hannah Looney in midfield.

For more, read this week's Galway City Tribune.