Gala All-Ireland Intermediate Camogie Championship Final – Cork v Galway

A GOAL at the death from Maria Walsh saw Cork live to fight another day, dramatically finishing on par with Galway in the Gala All Ireland intermediate championship final, 2-9 to 0-15, at the Gaelic Grounds on Saturday. Walsh from the Ballyhea club was on hand to fire the equalising score on 60 minutes.

In a very entertaining encounter, the Cork girls performed best while playing with the wind in the opening half. Michelle Browne was on target with some fine point-taking and when Eimear Watson netted on the run up to the break, they took a 1-7 to 0-7 lead to the dressing-room. Meanwhile, Martina Conroy was in superb form for Galway, the Killimor girl shooting a total of 10 points over the hour.

Mainly through the accuracy of Conroy, the Connacht side fought their way back, taking over the lead with well-taken points from the stick of Tara Rutledge as well. Having gradually gained the upper hand, and in front by three points, the Jack McGrath trophy (donated by a well-known Cork referee) looked to be heading west after spending the last 12 months in Kilkenny.

But, just like their remarkable semi-final victory over Derry, Cork were able to find another gear in the closing minutes. Trailing by three points and with time almost up, Niamh Dilworth picked out Walsh who gave Deirdre Ward no chance in the Galway goal to set up a replay in three weeks time on October 10.

GALA ALL-IRELAND INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL:

Cork 2-9, E Watson 1-1, M Walsh 1-0, M Browne 0-6 (0-4f), L Power,M Watson 0-1 each.

Galway 0-15,M Conroy 0-10 (0-6f, 0-1’45), T Rutledge 0-3, C Bowes, C Murray 0-1 each.

Therese O’Callaghan
Camogie Association PR and Media

Match Preview

GALA ALL IRELAND INTERMEDIATE CAMOGIE FINAL

Cork v Galway, Gaelic Grounds Limerick, Saturday, 2pm

CORK go in search of their second All Ireland title in two weeks when they meet Galway at the Gaelic Grounds on Saturday. The county is on a high from last weekend’s success and players like Pamela Mackey whose twin sister Katrina made an impact in GAA headquarters, will play a big part.

Galway make no secret of the fact that they will give it everything to bring silverware to the west. Aoife Lynskey, Caroline Murray and Tara Rutledge will ensure no stone is left unturned.

Verdict: Galway

Team News

Cork: J Kavanagh; A M Fleming, C O’Neill, A Sheehan; P Mackey, R Curtin, C Motherway; M Walsh, H O’Mahony; M Watson, M Coleman, L Power; D Luby, E Watson, M Browne.

Galway: D Ward; J Coone, N Lawless, K Brien; C Gill, S Dervan, C Kelly; P Kenny, A Lynskey; C Bowes, C Murray, M Conroy; T Rutledge, G Kelly, L Pardy.