GALWAY won the AIB National League, Division 1 title for the third time ever in their history when they defeated Cork 1-6 to 0-6 in Semple Stadium on Sunday. Without both Lourda Kavanagh and Áine Hilary, and last years All Star Ann Marie Hayes there was much sceptisim regarding the strength in depth of this panel and their ability to overcome Cork . The line out showed three changes from their semi final outing with Fiona Healy losing out to Ahascraghs Nicola Gavin, Shauna Murphy and Aoife Lynskey replacing the injury bound. A low scoring affair, there was some very good free flowing camogie in this game especially in the second half.

Galway showed signs of nerves in that did not register a score until the 23 rd minute, failing to capitalize on a number of scoring opportunities, opting to shoot long distance and failing to reach the target. It was the Rebels who were first to find the target with an Úna O'Donoghue point six minutes in, punishing indecision in the Galway full backline. Both goalies came into play in the following minutes with Curtin latching onto the end of an Aoife Lynskey delivery. Veronicas hockey style run deceived the Cork full back, and struck a curling ground shot which was not far off target. Minutes later Stephanie Gannon was part of the action to save from Corks Jennifer O Leary with the resultant 45 coverted to push Cork two ahead. Galway eager to get on the score board, continued to fall deep to midfield for supply and it was Veronica Curtin who sent over Galway 's opener, after eventually being awarded a free by referee Aileen Lawlor. Indeed, if Galway were to have succumbed to Cork, they could only feel hard done by the Armagh Ref whose level of inconsistency left a lot to be desired.

Cork's Rachel Moloney was in fine form in midfield, but so too was Galways corner forward Brenda Kerins who was starved of supply for the first quarter of the game. As the 2 nd quarter progressed her presence was more evident, and a goal opportunity went amiss after slight hesitation on her part. A well struck long range free landed at the feet of Kerins, broken down by Brenda Hanney, and despite what could have developed into a goal, she recovered to find the target for galways second point. Experienced Centre back Mary OConnor hit an intelligent free into space for Corner forward Ciara Healy to advance onto. Corks ever moving attackers were causing headaches for Galway and she found centre forward Emer Dillion who pointed her first of two. Long range frees were being hit to precision and Therese Maher provided the ammunition for Curtin to tie the sides nearing half time. While Cork had much of the play, Galway were wasteful with long runs and overcarrying the ball when possession fell their way. Curtin and Kerins posed the greatest threat upfront drawing frees from Stephanie Dunlea and Joanne O Callaghan who struggled to contain them. Curtin converted her second a 20 metre free conceded by the Cork full back. Galways Therese Maher who had struggled to find form in the opening quarter began to lock down her defence and read the play of the ever mobile Emer Dillon. An excellent aerial catch from the Cork puck out saw Maher drive a long clearance to Kerins, who set up Curtins rasping shot to the Cork net on the half time whistle. Cork were reeling to find themselves 1-4 to 0-3 adrift despite their controlled and disciplined play.

The Second half brought immediate changes for Cork with Midfielder Breege Corkery making way for Vivenne Harris, as Fiona ODriscolls squad hoped to open gaps in the Galway defence. The Leesiders first found the target with another self made error in the galway fullback line which Emer Dillion punished with a sharp ground stroke. Both sides exchanged scores from frees after both Curtin and OLeary were fouled to leave a single goal between the sides. Galway defence were inspirational in their efforts none moreso than Lorraine Lally, captain Therese Maher and Ailbhe Kelly closing down the Cork forwards at every opportunity while Regina Glynns surging runs from Corner back relieved much pressure. Cork punished the Galway defence yet again as they failed to clear and subsequently conceded a close in free which O Leary converted to leave a two point margin. Galways discipline levels were thread bare as Cork mounted the pressure and free strokes for Cork continued.Luckily for Galway , Cork failed to find the target. Great credit is due to seventeen year old Stephanie Gannon who brought off a fantastic save to deny Ciara Healy an open goal on fifteen mins after being set up by Subsitute Vivenne Harris. Kerins continued to roast the Cork defence winning frees and setting up Curtin for her final point of the day. Galway who struggled at mid field introduced Katherin Glynn who delivered some notable strokes to allow Kerins the opportunity to upset the Cork defence. With seven minutes remaining it appeared that Galway had the the chance to wrap up the game when referee Aileen Lawlor awarded Galway a penalty after subsititute Aislinn Connolly was clearly fouled in the small rectangle. Galway keeper Stephanie Gannon made the long journey to the penalty spot, but her well hit shot was cleared off the line by the Cork defence. Further substitutions were made on the Galway team with Jessica Gill and Fiona Healy entering the fray. Cork did continue to attack however, their finishing power was not enough to deny Galway their third National League title.

Galway happy with a clean sheet for the league but will know only too well that Cork left Thurles with dented pride. The backlash on July 2 nd in their Championship clash is now the focus for this Galway team.They were deserving of their victory on the day in that Cork did not have forwards to match Brenda Kerins or the skill of Veronica Curtin, plus once their defence got to grips on the Cork overlapping game they closed the path to goal. Nevertheless for this team to be serious championship contenders they will need to strengthen their midfield area and work on the directness of their game. Too often they were punished for elementary mistakes, over elaboration on the ball and long aimless runs. Galway certainly have talent in abundance, the question is whether Galway can implement a sharper technique to their play come championship. That question can only be answered in five weeks time where they will no doubt face a fine tuned cork team with the return of Elaine Burke and star midfielder Gemma OConnor. If Galway can address the finer details of their game for their championship outings, a return to the sod of croke park in September is not outside the realms of possibility. An enticing championship awaits.

Galway: (1) S Gannon; R Glynn,S Cahalan,N Gavin; L Lally,T Maher (cpt),A Kelly; S Murphy,C Glennon;A Lynskey,B Hanney, O Kilkenny;B Kerins,V Curtin, E Kilkelly.
Subs: K Glynn for C Glennon 43mins, A Connolly for B Hanney 52mins,J Gill for A Lynskey 58mins, F Healy for S Murphy 62mins.
Scorers: V Curtin 1-5, (0-2F), B Kerins 0-1.

Cork: A Murray; J Browne,S Dunlea, J O'Callaghan;A O'Regan, M O'Connor,N Ahern;R Moloney, B Corkery;A Walsh, E Dillon, J O'Leary;C Desmond, Ú O'Donoghue, C Healy.
Subs: V Harris for B Corkery half time,E Burke for C Desmond 43mins, R Holland for J O'Callaghan 54mins, P O'Connor for C Healy 58mins.
Scorers: J O'Leary 0-3 (0-1'45. 0-2 F), E Dillon 0-2, Ú O'Donoghue 0-1.