Following emphatic victories last Saturday, Galway and Kilkenny, alongside reigning champions Cork and Division 1A League winners Tipperary, have advanced to the elimination rounds of the All-Ireland senior camogie championship. The remaining two teams are still to be identified and will be confirmed next weekend at the conclusion of the group games. The 1B League champion Dublin and last year’s runner up, Waterford, are currently at the top, but this dynamic can easily shift.
Clare travelled to Kenny Park, Athenry, aiming to defy odds in Group 2 against local rivals. Despite a crushing 3-19 to 0-7 defeat by a Galway team inspired by Niamh Mallon, Clare remains a dark horse for a quarter-final initiation. Facing an uphill battle, John Carmody’s young team showed resilience, regardless of a 1-12 to 0-5 trail at half time. Mallon, the latest star of Sarsfields, contributed with a tally of 1-4, all taken from the open field, including an impressive goal in the 11th minute, assisted by Niamh Kilkenny.
Mallon scored another goal seven minutes into the second half, set up by Ailish O’Reilly. She was later substituted once the win was certain, thus joining the senior footballers of Galway, where her skills as a performance nutrition scientist would be put to use. O’Reilly scored the third goal during injury time, contributing 1-5 to her personal score.
Galway is set to face off against long-time adversary Cork at Páirc Uí Chaoimh next week. A draw will suffice for the Rebels, but a win is needed for Cathal Murray’s team to usurp them as group victors and directly reach the semi-finals. Much could hinge on the health of Carrie Dolan, who had to leave the field following a heavy hit to her left thigh.
Entering their game in high spirits, Cork dismantled Dublin with a stunning score of 4-22 to 0-5 at the noted Leeside GAA base. A significant number of those present must have had their minds on Sarah-Kate O’Meara’s recent passing. A fellow member of the Glen Rovers club with several Cork players, her funeral was earlier in the day. The 18-year-old suddenly passed away in the week whilst going to take her Leaving Cert exam.
Ger Manley’s team brilliantly responded to the situation with an outstanding display of skill. Even though Cork’s victory wasn’t entirely unexpected, the extensive winning margin was truly surprising. The glory was shared amongst nine different goal-scorers from Cork, with Amy O’Connor (2-7) and the evergreen Katrina Mackey (1-5) taking the headlines.
Their defence also stood out. Dublin was unable to register a single score from play. Laura Treacy made an exceptional comeback from injury as center back, being well-supported by Laura Hayes and Hannah Looney.
Despite the crushing defeat, the Dubs maintain their third position. With Wexford and Clare not far behind, their next match against bottom-tier team Down could be a surprise if it doesn’t end in victory for Bill McCormack’s side.
GAME RESULTS:
Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship Group 1:
Antrim 1-8, Waterford 3-18
Limerick 0-6, Tipperary 7-18
Kilkenny 4-17, Derry 0-7
For Group 2 of the Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship:
Cork 4-22, Dublin 0-5
Galway 3-10, Clare 0-7
Wexford 7-12, Down 0-7