Favourites Cork lose U23 All-Ireland camogie final to Galway

Galway 1-11 Cork 1-8 

 Galway took the Inaugural Glen Dimplex U23 All-Ireland title with a superb performance in the TUS Gaelic Grounds, Limerick.

Cork can have little complaints as a focused Galway were smarter and more efficient in all sectors. Their distribution was spot on and they were physically stronger. 

In the finish, a late goal put a better reflection of the score line on a day when Cork, who had been very impressive in reaching the decider, had to give way to a better opposition.

Conditions were hard on both sides, the scorching temperatures making life difficult. The opening quarter was close Laura Kelly pointed an early free to put Galway into the lead and the sides were level on four occasions inside an opening quarter where both defences were marking tight. 

Niamh McNabola had Cork’s opening score in response to Kelly’s free and the same player edged Cork in front with an excellent point on the restart.

Cork were guilty of wasting opportunities, hitting four wides in the opening quarter and over-elaboration with hand passing saw them lose possession on several occasions. They looked nervous and anxious and though with an extra player at the back they had cover. 

As the game entered the second quarter little divided the sides. Niamh McInerney levelled for Galway before Claudia Keane and Kelly swapped points.

The weather conditions were sapping energy and it was hard on the players. Kelly edged Galway back in front with another free after the Cork defence were let off the hook when McInerney broke through but was fouled en route to goal.

Amy Sheppard converted a free to again tie the sides up on 22 minutes but Galway were finding space up front. They then grabbed the crucial goal after 24 minutes. Joanne Daly carried the ball forward and sent a pinpoint pass to Kayla Madden, who made no mistake finishing well to the net.

Kelly continued to show her accuracy as she edged Galway four in front with a free. Sheppard responded so at the break, Madden's goal separated the sides as Galway led 1-5 to 0-5.

Five minutes into the second half, Jennifer Hughes extended the Galway lead after Cork had squandered two chances to narrow the gap. As Galway applied pressure, Cork continued to play short ball when the better option would have been to get fast ball to their inside to their inside line. 

Caoimhe Buckley was quick off her line to deny them a second goal as she intercepted McInerney's pass to Katie Gilchrist. Losing possession from the clearance, Cork were five in arrears as Kelly slotted over a huge effort from play.

As the game entered the final quarter, Cork still searched for their first score of the second half. Ava Fitzgerald split the posts to put four points between the sides but fatigue in the heat was beginning to tell with a succession of frees.

Kelly slotted over two to put six points between the sides as Cork again hit two wides.

Cork battled hard and Sheppard clipped two frees. In between, Isobel Sheehan broke through and finished to the net but Galway hung on to ensure history was made, much to the disappointment of a Cork side who failed to produce the performance they showed all through the campaign.

Scorers for Galway: L Kelly 0-7 (0-6 f), K Madden 1-0, N McInerney 0-2, J Hughes, C Hanley 0-1 each.

Cork: A Sheppard 0-4 f, I Sheehan 1-0, N McNabola 0-2, C Keane, A Fitzgerald 0-1 each.

GALWAY: L Freeney; R Kelly, S Lyons, A Crowe; K Mannion (c), K A Porter, J Daly; A Carr, J Hughes; A Barry, K Madden, L Kelly; N McInerney, C Kenny, K Gilchrest.

Subs: A Joyce for C Kenny (35), A Bloomer for K Gilchrist (45), O Mullins for K Madden (45), C Hanley for A Barry (55), C Allen for L Kelly (58). 

CORK: C Buckley (Inniscarra); S Hurley (Sarsfields), C Kingston (Newcestown), M De Burca (Carrigtwohill); M Ring (Aghabullogue), D O'Brien (Enniskeane)(c), A Cashman (Youghal); E Duignan (Mallow), A Fitzgerald (Sarsfields); I Sheehan (Éire Óg), R Murphy (Ballinora), N McNabola (Cloughduv); A Sheppard Cloughduv) C Keane (Inniscarra), M Condon (Ballinascarthy).

Subs: A McCarthy (Clonakilty) for N McNabola (44), E Wiggington-Barrett (St Finbarr’s) for M Ring (50), N O'Regan (St Catherine's) for D O'Brien (55), E Curtin (Blackrock) for A Cashman (55).

Referee: Barry Nea (Westmeath).