Tipperary is on the verge of their first participation in the senior national camogie championship since 2009; Galway and Cork are in the running as well, as we approach the final group match of Division 1A in the Very Camogie League next week.
Denis Kelly’s team triumphed in a head-to-head against their neighbouring rivals, Kilkenny, at UPMC Nowlan Park. With the win, following previous victories over Galway and Cork and following an initial loss to Waterford, they are heavily tipped to feature in the national finals, a feat not achieved since their league final loss to Wexford 15 years ago.
Currently, Tipperary holds the second spot on the league table after the second-to-last game round. However, their final match is against Clare, a young team that has not recorded any victories this season. Unless there is a major win for Clare and a severe loss for Kilkenny to Waterford, Clare seems destined for Division 1B next season.
Waterford, last year’s All-Ireland finalists, who previously held the top spot based on scoring difference, are now barely holding onto their aspirations. They suffered a close defeat to Galway in Loughrea, giving up crucial points in extra time and thus losing 13-12.
In a show of contrast, Galway’s dream of a third consecutive league championship is very much active, thanks to their last-minute victory over Waterford. A draw in their upcoming home game against Cork would see them making the finals based on score difference.
All-Ireland champions Cork have regained their momentum with a 15-6 win over Clare at Páirc Uí Rinn, bouncing back after their previously unbeaten streak was broken. They have to win their next match due to their lesser score difference.
In the match with Waterford, late points secured by Carrie Dolan and Aisling O’Reilly spoiled Waterford’s spirited comeback in the second half. Despite facing a robust wind, Waterford, who were promoted as Division 1B winners, managed to level the scoreline after a thrilling second half.
Having seen their goalie Brianna O’Regan score twice in five minutes through frees and another from player-of-the-year Beth Carton, the Jerry Wallace-led team were, in the third minute of injury time, seemingly heading towards a significant win. Yet the game had more twists, with Dolan levelling via a free-kick and O’Reilly netting the winner during injury time’s ninth minute.
Cathal Murray’s side comprised Sarsfields’ recent recruit and previous Down star Niamh Mallon, who now settles after a long transfer tale, along with Niamh Kilkenny, another previous player of the year returning to the pitch for the first time since 2023. They started rapidly with white flags from Niamh Niland, Dervla Higgins, and Dolan within the first four minutes. Both Dolan and Carton rounded out at eight points each, with Dolan scoring six of hers in the beginning quarter that saw Galway ahead at 10-4.
Quick reformations by Carton, Lorraine Bray, and Niamh Curran brought Waterford back into the race. When Dolan hit the fourth point leading up to the three-quarter mark, Waterford seized the moment, netting the following five points — three by Carton and two exceptional ones from O’Regan. Still, Galway exhibited their champion mentality, battling back to steal the victory.
Meanwhile, Tipperary sidestepped Kilkenny with relative ease. Their confidence, boosted by recent form coupled with the return of Karen Kennedy from injury for her seasonal debut, helped them stay composed despite Katie Power’s seventh-minute goal.
The star of the tournament so far, Eimear McGrath, scored thrice, and Kennedy scored right on the 30-minute mark, granting Tipp a half-time lead of 1-4 to 1-2. The second half saw Tipperary dominate, netting eight of nine points to seal the game. McGrath’s 46th-minute goal put the result beyond doubt, finishing her game with a tally of 1-7.
Cork delivered a strong performance in the latter half of the game to finally surpass Clare, having a slight lead of 6-1 after a disorganised first half – with four points being contributed by Saoirse McCarthy – despite playing against the elements. The tide turned when Katrina Mackey aided Hannah Looney in securing a goal at the onset of the second half, freeing the Leesiders. The relentless efforts of McCarthy and Sorcha McCartan ensured the score continued to rise. Throughout the match, Áine O’Loughlin showed her persistent strong form with a goal at the 41st minute, however, Cork were always at ease.
In Division 1B, Ballycastle witnessed an unexpected win by Antrim as they came back from a losing position, defeating Limerick by a score of 3-10 to 2-5. This impressive rebound positioned them within one win of Dublin next week, potentially securing them a spot in the final. This appeared impossible when a hastily assembled team suffered a resounding 52-point defeat to Wexford just a few weeks prior. However, with essential players making a comeback under the provisional guidance of Carl McCormick, they managed consecutive victories over Kerry and Limerick.
Niamh Ryan and Caoimhe Lyons’ goals put the visitors at an interval advantage of 2-2 to 0-4, but a goal from Annie Lynn soon after the break invigorated the home team. McCormick employed four substitutes, all of whom delivered a sound impact, with Fionnuala Kelly and Sarah Fyfe marking two green flags, firming the victory for the Saffrons.
As for Wexford, they are confirmed as finalists with one round left, having secured a comfortable triumphant score of 4-15 to 0-3 over Kerry.