All-Ireland camogie final key moments: First half cost battling Rebels at Croke Park

In the 35 minutes across the first half, there were three key moments that proved pivotal in Cork's All-Ireland camogie final loss to Galway.

Down five points and a player by the break, there was never any real way back for Cork, especially with the way Galway were playing.

Give credit to the Tribeswomen, they had a game plan, got it spot on and it worked. 

The first of the key moments came just 12 minutes in when Amy O’Connor was taken down by Aoife Donohue for a penalty. At this point, it was the second serious foul that she had committed and how she wasn’t at least on a yellow card by then is a question only the referee can answer.

If he takes a look back at the game, then that offense should have seen her sent to the line, after she got away with another bad foul on Hannah Looney earlier. 

However, Cork failed to score the penalty, with Sarah Healy saving well from Katrina Mackey, with O’Connor pointing the resulting 45.

Just two minutes later, the second and every bit as critical, moment arrived. A mistake out near the sideline led to Mairead Dillon bearing down on goal and she gave Amy Lee no chance of saving.

That put the Tribeswomen 1-3 to 0-4 in front, and they led from her to the bitter end.

It gave them a massive boost, as you would expect, and despite the best efforts of the Rebels they were never able to get back on level terms.

CRITICAL

The third, and probably the most crucial moment, came just before half-time.

A moment of madness from Hannah Looney, something you would not have expected from her, saw the Cork midfielder receive a straight red card for an off-the-ball incident with Olwen Rabbitte.

A tough task was made even harder after this as Cork were finding it difficult as it was, but they battled all the way to finish. You wouldn’t expect anything less from these players as they are always proud to wear the Cork jersey and give it their all game after game.

The late Orlaith Cahalane goal gave them a chance of having another day out, but a late pointed free for Galway was enough in the end to see them win.