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Championship action hotting up

This weekend Galway have the opportunity to secure their place in the semi finals of the Gala All-Ireland Camogie Championship as they take on Kilkenny.  This is quite a turnaround for a side who endured a disappointing season last year.

The Tribeswomen narrowly made the semi finals last year following a win over Championship newcomers Dublin, but they were well out of their depth when they came up against a rampant Wexford who defeated them by ten points.

So far this year Galway have made the final of the National League, where they unluckily lost out to Kilkenny, while they are currently the only undefeated team in the Championship with impressive wins over Cork and Wexford under their belts.

Joint manager of the side this year is Anne Broderick and she sees something different in this year’s team.  “I can’t really put my finger on it but there is something about this team this year.  There’s something there that wasn’t there before so I feel that this could be a good year for Galway camogie.  Beating Wexford and Cork has given the girls a belief that they can go on and press for the big titles.”

The match against Kilkenny is a replay of the League final, something which Broderick feels hit the team hard. 

“To be fair, the girls took the loss to Kilkenny in the League final quite badly. It was very close but we just fell short. I think the reason why they took it so badly is that they prepared very well for the League, we took it very professionally. At the start of the year we had dieticians and nutritionists as well as sports conditioning trainers for a while at the start to get things together so we could press on ourselves.

While a win for Galway would ensure a place in the semi final draw a loss for Kilkenny would seriously dent their hopes of a last four spot and Broderick is aware of what this game means to the League winners. 

“If we could get a win here it would leave Kilkenny with three losses and looking shaky. It’s going to be very tough as they will treat it as an All-Ireland final of sorts so it should be a great game.”

There are also vital games in Wexford and Cork this weekend.  The Rebels host Limerick on Saturday and a win will guarantee 2006 winners Cork a place in this year’s semi final. Limerick are without a point following a tough return to senior championship action and it looks unlikely that they will get anything from this game.

Wexford will be hoping to continue their revival as they take on Dublin.  The reigning champions lost their opening two games before returning to true form last weekend with a 13 point win over National League winners Kilkenny. Dublin, like Wexford, have only one win so far but they will have to put in an outstanding performance if they are to overcome Stellah Sinnott’s side on Sunday.  

Saturday 19th July

Cork v Limerick – Cork – 1:00pm 

Sunday 20th July

Wexford v Dublin – Buffers Alley, Wexford – 1:30pm

Kilkenny v Galway – Tom Ryall Park, Kilmanangh – 3:30pm

Couch Potato Heads Up

Live on the telly on Saturday: Derry v Monaghan TV3; Offaly v Waterford and Cork v Galway both on RTE.

On Sunday: Fermanagh v Armagh, TV3 and Dublin v Wexford RTE.

Full Fixture List

– Saturday July 19th –

GAA Football All Ireland Senior Championship Qualifier Round 1
Gaelic Grounds 7.00pm Luimneach v An Mhí
Referee: Vincent Neary (Maigh Eo)
[E.T. if Necessary]
Pearse Park 7.00pm Longfort v Laois
Referee: Tomas Quigley (BÁC)
[E.T. if Necessary]
Newbridge 7.00pm Cill Dara v An Cabhán
Referee: Cormac Reilly (An Mhí)
[E.T. if Necessary]
Tullamore 7.00pm Uíbh Fhailí v An Dún
Referee: Aidan Mangan (Ciarraí)
[E.T. if Necessary]
Drogheda 7.00pm An Lú v Tír Eoghain
Referee: Jimmy McKee (Ard Mhacha)
[E.T. if Necessary]
Ardfinnan 3.00pm Tiobraid Árann v Iar Mhí
Referee: Maurice Deegan (Laois)
[E.T. if Necessary]
Ballybofey 5.00pm Dún na nGall v Ros Comáin
Referee: John Bannon (Longfort)
[E.T. if Necessary]
Clones 3.00pm Muineachán v Doire Live TV3
Referee: David Coldrick (An Mhí)
[E.T. if Necessary]

Tommy Murphy Cup Round 1
Ruislip TBC Londain v Sligeach
Referee: Eddie Kinsella (Laois)
[E.T. if Necessary]
Casement Park 3.30pm Aontroim v Ceatharlach
Referee: Robert O’Donnell (Dún na nGall)
[E.T. if Necessary]
Ennis 7.00pm An Clár v Liatroim
Referee: Pat McGovern (Gaillimh)
[E.T. if Necessary]
Aughrim 7.00pm Cill Mhantáin v Port Láirge
Referee: Pat Fox (An Iar-Mhí)
[E.T. if Necessary]

GAA Hurling All Ireland Senior Championship Qualifier Round 4
Thurles 5.00pm Uíbh Fhailí v Port Láirge Live RTE
Referee: TBC
[E.T. if Necessary]
Thurles 7.00pm Corcaigh v Gaillimh Live RTE
Referee: TBC
[E.T. if Necessary]

GAA Hurling All Ireland Senior Championship Qualifier
Relegation Play-Off
Páirc Tailteann 2.30pm Aontroim v Laois
Referee: TBC
[E.T. if Necessary]

Christy Ring Cup Quarter Finals
Aughrim 5.00pm Cill Mhantáin v Maigh Eo
Referee: TBC
[E.T. if Necessary]
Newry 3.00pm An Dún v Doire
Referee: TBC
[E.T. if Necessary]
Tralee 3.00pm Ciarraí v Ceatharlach
Referee: TBC
[E.T. if Necessary]
Newbridge 5.00pm Cill Dara v Iar-Mhí
Referee: TBC
[E.T. if Necessary]

Nicky Rackard Cup Quarter Final
Parnell PK 3.00pm Fingal v Liatroim
Referee: TBC
[E.T. if Necessary]
Newry 1.00pm Non Ards v An Lú
Referee: TBC
[E.T. if Necessary]
Clones 1.00pm Muineachán v An Cabhán
Referee: TBC
[E.T. if Necessary]
Markievicz Park 3.00pm Sligeach v Tír Eoghain
Referee: TBC
[E.T. if Necessary]

– Sunday July 20th –

Ulster GAA Football Senior Championship Final
Clones 2.00pm Fear Manach v Ard Mhacha Live TV3
Referee: Jimmy White (Dún na nGall)

Leinster GAA Football Senior Championship Final
Páirc an Chrócaigh 4.00pm Baile Átha Cliath v Loch Garman Live RTE
Referee: Gearóid Ó Conamha (Gaillimh)

Kate Kelly - on target with 0-5 for Wexford

WEXFORD won the battle of the champions at Buffers Alley yesterday to kick-start their 2008 Gala All-Ireland senior camogie championship charge. The reigning All-Ireland champions defeated National League kingpins Kilkenny 3-14 to 2-4 to record a first championship victory of the season in their third outing.

The Slaneysiders led 1-9 to 2-2 at half-time and restricted the Cats to just two second half points, one of those from a 45. Two-goal hero Ursula Jacob set Wexford on their way with the game’s opening goal after 15 minutes but Kilkenny hit back when Ann Dalton goaled a 20th minute free.

The Noresiders were right back in the hunt when Sinéad Millea converted a 26th minute penalty but after half time, it was one-way traffic as Wexford showed glimpses of the form that brought them All-Ireland glory last year. In-form Katrina Parrock scored the insurance goal 16 minutes into the second half and less than a minute later, Jacob found the net again as Kilkenny were hit with a quickfire double whammy.

By the finish, all of Wexford’s forwards had registered scores as Jacob led the way with a 2-2 haul. Kate Kelly was also in good form with five points for the winners who will be confident of sealing a place the top four with games remaining against Tipperary, Dublin and Limerick.

At Páirc Uí Rinn, last year’s beaten finalists Cork suffered their first defeat of the campaign as National League runners-up Galway ran out 1-9 to 0-9 winners. This was a free-ridden encounter as Galway scored all but 1-1 from placed balls, with 0-6 of Cork’s total arriving in similar fashion. Galway led by 0-6 to 0-4 at half-time and after stretching 0-8 to 0-5 clear early in the second half, the Tribeswomen looked set for victory. Cork struck back to draw level at 0-8 apiece but Galway sub Lourda Kavanagh stopped the rising Rebelette side with a fine solo goal three minutes from time, which clinched the tie for the visitors.

Jessica Gill was Galway’s scorer-in-chief with seven points, six frees and a 45, while Veronica Curtin chipped in with two points. Cork’s leading scorer was Rachel Moloney with 0-6, Emer O’Sullivan bagged 0-2 and Linda Dorgan chipped in with a point.

On Saturday, Tipperary moved closer to qualification for the semi-finals after recording an an emphatic victory against Limerick in Kilmallock. The Premier County ran 2-22 to 0-5 winners against Limerick, who slumped to a fourth successive defeat in this year’s competition as they continue to find the going tough in the senior ranks.

With home games remaining against champions Wexford and Galway, one more win will be enough for Tipp to clinch a place in the last four. Tipp led by 1-12 to 0-4 at half-time as Joanne Ryan’s 18th-minute goal opened up a 1-7 to 0-1 advantage and effectively killed the game as a contest.  The Shannonsiders managed just one point after half-time and Cora Hennessy piled on the misery with a second Tipperary goal close to full-time.

Cork, Galway and Tipperary now look well-placed for semi-final places and it now looks like Wexford and Kilkenny will be battling it out for the coveted fourth spot.

By Jackie Cahill

DUBLIN dethroned Laois at Dr Cullen Park in Carlow on Sunday to capture the TG4 Ladies Leinster senior football championship crown for the first time since 2005. The Sky Blues ran out 1-15 to 0-15 winners to book a place in the All-Ireland quarter finals, with Laois sent to the qualifiers.

Sinéad Aherne’s goal after just six minutes proved crucial as Dublin led by 1-7 to 0-8 at half-time and held off the O’Moore County in the second half to reclaim the title. Aherne’s goal was a scrappy effort as she fisted the ball to the net but Dublin cared little as this crucial effort provided the platform for an eventual three-point win.

Dublin, Division 2 champions last year, achieved their goal of remaining in Division 1 this season and winning the provincial crown is another fantastic achievement. Dublin had good attacking contributions from Lindsey Davey, Anne Marie Murphy, Ciara Murphy and Natalia Hyland while in defence, full back Noelle Comyn and centre back Denise Masterson were in particularly good form.

Laois were best served by midfielder Tracy Lawlor, who chipped in with six points, and attacking trio Martha Kirwan, Aileen O’Loughlin and Gemma O’Connor, who scored a brace of points each.

Meanwhile, All-Ireland champions Cork powered to a comprehensive victory over Kerry in the TG4 Munster Ladies Senior Football Final in Páirc Uí Rinn on Saturday afternoon. Making their 2008 championship debut, the Rebelettes repeated their National League final victory over their provincial rivals with a comprehensive 13-point victory.

Cork began in blistering fashion and by the end of the first quarter, they led by 0-8 to 0-2. The complexion of the game when Kerry hit back with a goal from wing-back Mairead Finnegan before Cork rallied to lead comfortably by 0-14 to 1-3. Kerry responded again with a penalty from Patrice Dennehy but Cork still held a four-point half-time advantage, 0-14 to 2-4.

Cork regained total control on the resumption and an air of inevitability descended over the second half. The home side added further gloss to the scoreline when Valerie Mulcahy converted a late penalty.

By Jackie Cahill

TIPPERARY are on the brink of qualification for the semi-finals of the Gala All-Ireland senior camogie championship after recording an emphatic victory against Limerick in Kilmallock on Saturday afternoon.

The Premier County ran 2-22 to 0-5 winners against Limerick, who slumped to a fourth successive defeat in this year’s competition as they continue to find the going tough in the senior ranks. With home games remaining against champions Wexford and Galway, one more win will be enough for Tipp to clinch a place in the last four.

Tipp led by 1-12 to 0-4 at half-time as Joanne Ryan’s 18th-minute goal opened up a 1-7 to 0-1 advantage and effectively killed the game as a contest. The Shannonsiders managed just one point after half-time and Cora Hennessy piled on the misery with a second Tipperary goal close to full-time.

Tipp had impressive performances from top-scorer Claire Grogan, who contributed five of her eight points from placed balls, and Cashel club-mate Emily Hayden, who bagged five points from play.

Joanne Ryan and Geraldine Kinnane were also prominent for the winners while Rose Collins battled valiantly at full back for the outclassed hosts, who had a four-point haul from Michelle Casey, including the solitary second half score from play.

By Jackie Cahill

Mags Darcy & Co - about to lose their crown?

The tie of round four in the Gala All-Ireland Camogie Championship takes place in Wexford as the home side take on National League Champions Kilkenny.

Last September Wexford claimed their first All-Ireland title in 32 years when they defeated Cork in Camogie’s showpiece in Croke Park.  However, after two losses in their opening two games the reigning champions cannot afford another defeat if they hope to retain the O’Duffy Cup. 

Kilkenny have re-emerged this season as one of the Championship contenders under the stewardship of twelve time All-Ireland winner Ann Downey.  Following a poor year last year they stormed back to win the National League title with victory over Galway.  Despite this good form the Cats lost their opening game to Tipperary.

Downey feels they have bounced back from that early defeat.  “We were very disappointed to lose to Tipperary they way we did in the first game of the Championship after performing so well in the League. We came back very well against Limerick in our second game so it’s all looking good now for Sunday’s game against Wexford.”

The last few years have been extremely disappointing from a Kilkenny Camogie point of view but with an extensive and highly successful youth set-up in place the future is bright for the Cats.  An early start back at training has reaped its rewards so far but Downey knows that Wexford need a win on Sunday to get back on track.

“Wexford have lost their first two fixtures but they haven’t had the easiest of games in Cork and Galway. They are very talented team and we’ll be hoping to get favourable playing conditions. We are a light team compared to Wexford but are exceptionally tough to beat. We’ve got our game plan and we’ll pay no attention to Wexford’s style, Kilkenny are concentrating on Kilkenny and that should be enough,” Downey said ahead of the game.

In the remaining fixtures this weekend Limerick will host Tipperary on Saturday, while Galway will travel to take on Cork on Sunday.  Newcomers to this year’s Championship, Limerick, will be hoping that they can register their first victory over Tipperary.  Tipp, who won their first two games, will be looking to bounce back after they were on the end of a nine point defeat to Cork in their last outing.

2006 All-Ireland champions Cork will be looking to keep up their 100% record as they look for a fourth successive victory in the Championship when they take on Galway.  This would ensure Cork a spot in the semi finals.  Galway are the only other unbeaten side so far following victories over Limerick and Wexford so they will be hoping to make it three-in-a-row on Sunday.

Fixtures

Saturday, 12th July, 2008

Limerick v Tipperary – Kilmallock, Limerick 1.00pm

Sunday, 13th July, 2008

Wexford v Kilkenny – Buffers Alley, Wexford 1.30pm

Cork v Galway – Páirc Uí Rinn, Cork 3.00pm

– Saturday July 12 –

Páirc Uí Chaoimh 5.00pm Corcaigh v Baile Átha Cliath
Referee: James Owens (Loch Garman)
[E.T. if necessary]
Gaelic Grounds 7.00pm Luimneach v Uíbh Fhailí Live RTE2
Referee: Cathal McAllister (Corcaigh)
[E.T. if necessary]

Christy Ring Cup Round 3

Group 2A
Arklow 3.30pm Cill Mhantáin v Iar Mhí
Referee: Anthony Stapleton (Laois)
Ros Comáin Bye
Group 2B
Newry 3.30pm An Dún v Ceatharlach
Referee: Ray Matthews (Aontroim)
Londain Bye
Group 2C
Tralee 3.30pm Ciarraí v An Mhí
Referee: Ger Hoey (An Clár)
Maigh Eo Bye
Group 2D
Keady 3.30pm Ard Mhacha v Cill Dara
Referee: Michael Haverty (Gaillimh)
Doire Bye

Group 3A
Pearse Park 3.30pm Longfort v An Lú
Referee: Joe Kelly (Loch Garman)
Fingal Bye
Group 3B
Enniskillen 3.30pm Fear Manach v Non Ards
Referee: Ger Devlin (Ard Mhacha)
Liatroim Bye
Group 3C
Clones 3.30pm Muineachan v Dún na nGall
Referee: Brendan Sweeney (An Cabhán)
Tír Eoghain Bye
Group 3D
Páirc na hÉireann 7.30pm Warwickshire v Sligeach
Referee: David Copps (Corcaigh)
An Cabhán Bye

Tommy Murphy Cup Preliminary Round
Freshford 3.00pm Cill Chainnigh v Londain
Referee: Eddie Craul (Cill Mhantáin)
[E.T. if necessary]

– Sunday July 13 –

Connacht GAA Football Senior Championship Final
McHale Park Castlebar 2.00pm Gaillimh v Maigh Eo Live TV3
Referee: David Coldrick (Am Mhí)

Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Final
Limerick 4.00pm An Clár v Tiobraid Árann Live RTE2
Referee: Diarmuid Kirwan (Corcaigh)

Jessica Gill - on song for the women of the Tribe with 1-9

LAST year’s beaten finalists Cork moved to within touching distance of the Gala All-Ireland senior camogie championship semi-finals with a 1-16 to 0-10 victory against Munster rivals Tipperary on Sunday.

The Rebelettes scored 1-8 during the course of a powerful second half performance in Ballincollig to claim a comfortable nine-point victory, having trailed by 0-8 to 0-4 at half-time.

Rachel Moloney was the undoubted star turn for Cork as she weighed in with 0-11 for the winners, including eight frees and a 45. Ace attacker Moloney edged her scoring duel with Tipperary’s leading scorer Claire Grogan, who finished nine points to her credit, six of those from frees. With three wins from three outings in the Gala championship, Cork know that one more victory will virtually guarantee a top-four finish and that could be achieved as early as next weekend against Galway.

Corner forward Orla Cotter also caught the eye for Cork and her goal, nine minutes after half-time, edged Cork ahead by 1-7 to 0-9. Moloney added two further points to put the home side in the driving seat but Cork played the last 13 minutes of the game with 14 players after Gemma O’Connor was sent off for a second bookable offence. Cork readjusted by dropping Cotter to midfield while Briege Corkery moved from midfield to centre back and Rena Buckley switched from the centre to left half back for the closing minutes.

Meanwhile, reigning champions Wexford slumped to a second successive defeat in this year’s Gala All-Ireland senior camogie championship as the prolific Jessica Gill fired beaten National League finalists Galway closer to the semi-finals. Gill, 2007 Connacht Young Player of the Year, put Wexford to the sword with a 1-9 haul as Galway ran out 1-12 to 2-4 winners at Killimor on Saturday. The Tribeswomen have collected maximum points from their opening two games but Wexford are in trouble having both of their outings to date. A superb solo goal by Gill, four minutes before half-time, was the crucial score as Galway led by 1-7 to 1-2 at the break.

Ursula Jacob had goaled for Wexford after just eight minutes but Galway soon assumed control and Gill’s strike put them in the driving seat. Wexford, despite Katrina Parrock’s second half goal, could never get to within touching distance of the hosts who are proving that their impressive league form was no flash in the pan.

Meanwhile, Dublin collected their first win of the competition with a 0-16 to 1-6 success against Limerick at the home of Trinity Gaels in the capital on Saturday. Dublin had the better of the early exchanges but Joanne Clifford’s 15th minute goal for Limerick tied the scores at 1-2 to 0-5. Dublin came strong once again and after establishing a 0-9 to 1-3 half-time advantage, the Sky Blues outscored the visitors 0-7 to 0-3 in the second half. Louise O’Hara finished as Dublin’s top scorer with 0-5 and her switch from midfield to centre forward was a pivotal move after half-time as the hosts pulled away with the breeze at their backs.

Meanwhile, Kildare made history in Aughrim, county Wicklow on Saturday as they claimed victory in the inaugural minor championship blitz. Five counties - Wicklow, Kildare, Carlow, Roscommon and Westmeath - competed in this new competition and the Lilywhites registered a notable success by defeating Carlow in the final.

By Jackie Cahill

The superb Cora Staunton scored 2-8 as Mayo retained their TG4 Connacht Ladies senior football championship crown today, Sunday.

The back-to-back champions collected their fourth Connacht title in seven seasons with a 3-15 to 0-9 victory against outclassed Sligo at McHale Park in Castlebar.  Staunton was the star turn with a magnificent individual scoring display and her tally was evenly spread over both halves as the multiple Allstar contributed 1-4 in the first half and an identical tally in the second period.

Mayo dominated Sligo from start to finish and had two points on the board after just 90 seconds. Sligo responded with their opening score after three minutes but with 20 minutes on the watch, Mayo had the game effectively wrapped up after establishing a 1-7 to 0-3 advantage. Staunton slotted home a penalty after 12 minutes and Mayo’s second goal, five minutes before half-time, was finished to the net by Lisa Cafferkey as three forwards combined to set up the chance.

Mayo led by 2-8 to 0-6 at half-time and Staunton second half goal was the icing on the cake for the winners. Cafferkey added four points to her first half goal while there were points for Clare Egan, Marcella Heffernan and Fiona McHale.

Sligo’s top scorer was Noelle Gormley, who landed eight points, all from placed balls, while Elisha Codd supplied the solitary point from play for the Yeats County. Sligo, who had battling displays from Gormley and Louise Brett, must now regroup for the second round of All-Ireland qualifiers while Mayo march on.

By Jackie Cahill

MONAGHAN captured the TG4 Ladies senior Gaelic Football crown for the first time since 2005 with a 2-11 to 1-6 victory against Tyrone tonight (Sunday).

Monaghan raced into a 0-7 to 0-0 lead after just 16 minutes but Gemma Begley’s goal for Tyrone after 21 minutes revived the Red Hand challenge.

However, the Farney women struck back just two minutes later through Therese McNally and Monaghan held a 1-7 to 1-4 half time advantage. Tyrone, who suffered provincial final heartbreak for the second successive year, reduced the deficit to just a single point, 1-7 to 1-6, with 14 minutes remaining.

However, Monaghan hit an unanswered 1-4 in the closing quarter to run out convincing eight-point winners. Substitute Lavina Connolly contributed 1-1, the last two scores of the game, to secure a fourth provincial title for Monaghan. Goalscorer Begley was Tyrone’s leading scorer with a 1-2 haul at Brewster Park in Enniskillen.

By Jackie Cahill