Drama, such drama. Although the scoreline may not reflect as much, Duggan Park was the place to be last Sunday as Galway and Wexford paired off in a National Camogie League tie that produced many talking points, most of which came before throw-in.
First there was the sad sight of a Galway junior corner back Mary Ward being taken from the field by ambulance after sustaining a suspected neck injury in Galway's 1-7 to 0-6 victory over their Wexford counterparts. That delayed the senior game a few minutes, but no one was unduly concerned. The only concern was for that of the Athenry player.
When calmness descended and both Galway and Wexford seniors had finished their warm-up, realisation then hit that there was no referee. Apparently, in the heel and reel of things, Croke Park had failed to notify the appointed official Liam Davitt that he was to take charge of the contest. It all meant throw-in was delayed by 35 minutes, while both squads pondered over the dilemna. Finally, the teams tossed for referee, with Wexford coming out on top. Aidan O'Brien was handed the whistle. Game on.
What a start the Tribeswomen made. Within 23 seconds of the contest, a long delivery from midfielder Shauna Murphy was gathered by Orla Kilkenny and with lighting quickness the corner forward turned and unleased an unstoppable effort beyond the timid hurl of Wexford keeper Margaret Darcy.
Without a doubt, Galway were determined to set their stall out from the off and this was mirrored in their style of play all the way through, they led from start to finish. Indeed, by the time Brenda Hanney secured Galway's second goal on 58 minutes, the Wexford girls were as good as on the N6 home.
Certainly, considering both teams were defeated in the All-Ireland semi-finals of the 2004 championship, Galway would at this early stage seem to be making the most progress. However, it must be stressed, while Galway would appear to be on the right road, there is an awful lot of improvement to be done yet.
That said, starting with nine of the side that was defeated by Cork in the semi-final last August, with only three beginning in the same position, Galway showed a new found passion and pride for the cause.
By half-time, they led 1-7 to 1-2, and they were worth every score of that five point lead. True, Kilkenny had opened with a superb goal, but Brenda Hanney, Veronica Curtin, Kilkenny and the excellent Lourda Kavanagh all added points worthy to grace any stage. Kavanagh, in particular, was exceptional.
In many respects, this was the first real test of the year for new Galway manager Sharon Glynn and her charges. They had recorded impressive wins over Antrim and Limerick, but Wexford were arguably the third best team in the country.
The Model County did show their potential on numerous occasions, Kate Kelly hitting two points (one from a free) on seven and eight minutes respectively, before Willie Carley's girls exposed further frailties on 26 minutes when Ursula Jacob and Aoife O'Connor combined to secure a penalty. Right half back Aine Codd make no mistake with her effort.
However, they failed to build on this and in the second half Curtin, Murphy and Kilkenny all tallied points from play to extend their side's advantage. Hanney's late goal sealed the issue, before Kilkenny capped off a fine individual display with another point five minutes into injury time.
While Wexford were wasteful with their opportunities, a lot of credit must go to the Galway defence. Full back Sinead Cahalan was a great anchor, with corner backs Lorraine Lally and Nicola Gavin supplying more than ample cover. In all, the full-back line only conceded one point.
Theresa Maher was impressive at centre-back, making one inspiring fetch in particular in the second half, while Regina Glynn and Ailbhe Kelly competed well on the wings. Aine Hillary and Murphy gave it all in midfield, while Hanney, Kavanagh, Kilkenny and Curtin were a constant threat in the forwards.
Galway must now await the outcome of the Cork and Tipperary league game next weekend before it will be confirmed who they will play in the National Camogie League semi-finals, which are due to take place on Sunday, May 8.
Galway: S. Earner; L. Lally, S. Cahalan, N. Gavin; R. Glynn, T. Maher, A. Kelly; A. Hillary, S. Murphy (0-1); A.M. Hayes, B. Hanney (1-1), L. Kavanagh (0-4); O. Kilkenny (1-3), V. Curtin (0-2), D. Burke.
Sub: C. Kelly for D. Burke (41 mins.).
Wexford: M. Darcy; A. Moran, C. O¹Loughlin, C. O¹Connor; D. Codd, M. Lacey, A. Codd (1-0, pen.); C. Murphy, E. Quigley; K. Kelly (0-3, 0-2 frees), A. O¹Connor, L. Houlihan; U. Lacey, M. Hearne, U. Jacob (0-1).
Subs: L. Codd (0-1) for Houlihan (41 mins.); B. Curran for O¹Connor (56 mins).
Referee: A. O¹Brien (Wexford).
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