Cork open All-Ireland camogie campaign with terrific win over Galway
Cork's Orlaith Cahalane takes on the Galway defence during their Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship Group 1 game at Kenny Park, Athenry. Picture: INPHO/James Lawlor
Cork got their Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Championship round robin campaign off to a winning start at Athenry, Galway on Saturday.
It’s never easy to beat the Tribeswomen up there as Cork, despite a poor league and Munster campaign, reminded all others they are not gone away. Any time you win, it’s always a good day, but what was most impressive about Cork’s success was their work rate and physicality as they took the game to Galway from start to finish.
Cork were simply back to near their best with impressive displays all over the pitch. Their new look half-back line was outstanding, led by Meabh Murphy at centre-back.
Behind her Libby Coppinger, once again, showed why she is considered one of the best defenders in the game.
Laura Hayes and Millie Condon were in control at midfield, with Saoirse McCarthy, in particular, leading the Galway defence a merry dance all through.
Whilst Cork won’t be getting carried away with this win, it was one they needed as a major confidence boost after their recent showings, including being well beaten in the league at the same venue.
Hayes opened the scoring for Cork after she was played in by Hayley Ryan, with McCarthy adding a second as Cork were far quicker to settle.
Galway got off the mark after seven minutes when Niamh McPeake scored, but the Rebels were dominating at this stage.
McCarthy added another from a free, with Isobel Sheehan getting Cork’s fourth to put them 0-4 to 0-1 up after 12 minutes.
Sorcha McCartan and McCarthy added two more as Galway were finding it difficult to get to grips with Cork.
Aine Keane replied for the Tribeswomen from a free, but two more from McCarthy kept Cork well in front, 0-8 to 0-2.
Aoife Donohue replied for the home side, with McCarthy getting her fourth in-a-row to keep the scoreboard ticking over for Cork.
Amy O’Connor, in her first game back from injury, pointed from a free with Ava Fitzgerald also scoring, to make it 0-11 to 0-3.
Keane replied from a free for Galway, but late scores from McCartan and Hayes saw Cork lead by 0-13 to 0-4, as they turned to play against the strong wind.
Two early frees from O’Connor increased Cork’s lead as they kept putting pressure on the Galway defence.
Keane and McPeake replied for Galway before Cork had their first goal chance.
Orlaith Cahalane burst through the Galway defence only to be denied by a superb save from Sarah Healy.
Cahalane pointed, after 48 minutes, to keep Cork well in control as they led by 0-16 to 0-6.
Two minutes later and Cork had another goal chance, this time Healy denying McCarthy a green flag.
Two frees from Aoibheann Barry made it 0-16 to 0-8, before O’Connor was on target again for Cork.
In injury time Galway pulled a goal back when Ailish O'Reilly scored, with Ciara O’Sullivan replying at the other end as Cork ran out deserving winners to get their All-Ireland campaign off to a winning start.
A O'Reilly 1-0, A Keane 0-3 f, A Barry (f), N McPeake 0-2 each, A Donohue 0-1.
S McCarthy 0-6 (0-4 f), A O’Connor 0-4 (0-3 f), L Hayes, S McCartan 0-2 each, I Sheehan, A Fitzgerald, O Cahalane, C O’Sullivan 0-1 each.
S Healy; R Hanniffy, R Black, D Higgins; K Manning, C Hickey, KA Porter; A Keane, A Hesnan; N Mallon, N McPeake, A Donohue; S Corcoran, M Dillon, K Madden.
A O’Reilly for N Mallon (30), C Dolan for K Madden (35), A Barry for A Donohue, C Kelly for A Keane (both 51).
A Lee; I O’Regan, L Coppinger, A Egan; A Fitzgerald, M Murphy, I Sheehan; M Condon, L Hayes; H Ryan, S McCarthy, E Murphy; S McCartan, O Cahalane, A O’Connor.
R Murphy for H Ryan (51), C O’Sullivan for M Condon (58).
Liz Dempsey, Kilkenny.
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