In the All-Ireland senior camogie championship quarter-final, Galway achieved a narrow victory over last year’s finalists Waterford with a score of 1-12 to 1-9. The decisive goal came in the 40th minute from Aoife Donohue, cementing Galway’s place in the semi-final against Tipperary, recreating the League final showdown that Tipperary previously won.
Despite a revitalising penalty goal from Beth Carton eight minutes before the full-time whistle, and a successful free kick from goalkeeper Brianne O’Regan on Waterford’s behalf, Galway quickly responded with two final scores from Donohue and Olwen Rabbitte, ensuring their victory. This means champions Cork will face off against Dublin, victors of Saturday’s quarter-final, in the other semi-final at UPMC Nowlan Park on 27th July.
The first half of the match was particularly intense, with Waterford utilising Alannah McNulty as a successful defender and Galway often relying on the strategically wise Áine Keane. The lack of speed in the game was ironically due to a noted deficiency in precision and delivery control. The better team in the opening half was probably Galway, edging ahead with a narrow lead of 0-7 to 0-5 at half-time, mostly thanks to an impressive point from Dervla Higgins.
The inability of Waterford’s star forward, Mairéad O’Brien, to participate because of injury – also missing the all-Ireland ladies’ football quarter-final – was a significant obstacle in the context of Waterford facing difficulty driving their game forward. Despite the strong performance of the Déise throughout the season, including O’Brien’s six goals, they were unable to secure the match. Even though O’Brien managed to join the match in its final quarter, her impact was unfortunately limited.
Vikki Falconer couldn’t play due to a quadriceps strain she suffered on Monday, despite having returned from a cruciate ligament injury from the previous year’s All-Ireland final. Lorraine Bray, the team leader, was likewise unable to exert her influence due to a broken hand. However, Galway also had its share of health troubles, with Annmarie Starr sidelined with an ankle problem. Yet, they were able to welcome back the indefatigable Donohue after a month-long hiatus. Her return is sure to rev up the game, especially with her game-winning potential.
Niamh Haniffy had her eye on Carton, whose scores from strategic positions maintained Waterford’s chances. Niamh Mallon scored the first in-play point in the seventh minute by reacting promptly to a bounce, but her goal was thwarted by the country’s top goalie, O’Regan, as she opted to go straight for the shot instead of choosing a simple pass to Portaferry native. Mallon soon got another opportunity, but Waterford successfully cut off her supply and Laoise Forrest held her ground in back-to-back battles.
The second half was relatively uneventful except for two goals. Donohue’s goal was the decisive one; she sprinted away in her signature style. She attempted a shot, which O’Regan saved, but she doubled down and found the net in an exciting flick. A point from Carrie Dolan lead to a five-point gap, but the game was revitalised when Niamh Rockett was abruptly halted in the square. She had scored three points from play till then, but Carton scored against goal keeper Sarah Healy, making the match alive again.
Despite trying their best, Jerry Wallace’s team never gained a lead, and it was the Galway team who just managed to cross the finish line.
In Waterford’s team, B O’Regan, noted to have made 0-1 with a free, played along with L Forrest, C Carroll, A McNulty, K Lynch, K Corbett, M Power, B Bowdren, L Bray, and N Rockett who had an impressive 0-3. Other notable players included B Carton with an outstanding 1-4, inclusive of three frees and one 45, and O Hickey at 0-1, plus a free. A Flynn, T Power, and R Kirwan also featured. Substitutes included A Fitzgerald who replaced Kirwan at 25 minutes, S Lacey coming on for T Power at the 36th minute mark, R Walsh substituted for Mairéad Power at the same time, M O’Brien entered for Lynch at 44 minutes, and M Gostl replaced Bray due to injury at 56 minutes.
On the other hand, Galway’s team featured S Healy, R Black, C Hickey, D Higgins who scored 0-1, A Keane, N Hanniffy, R Hanniffy, A Hesnan and A Donohue who had a remarkable 1-1. C Dolan had an excellent 0-4, all frees, N McPeake at 0-1, A O’Reilly and N Kilkenny also at 0-1, N Niland with 0-1, and N Mallon scoring 0-2. The substitutes comprised O McGrath replacing McPeake after 42 minutes, O Rabbitte coming on for Hesnan at 57 minutes with a 0-1 and S Rabbitte replacing Kilkenny at 58 minutes. All under the watchful eye of referee Ray Kelly from Kildare.