By Daragh Ó Conchúir
Niamh Mallon reckons that the experience of having to come through the Glen Dimplex All-Ireland senior camogie quarter-final stages last year made Galway really intent on winning their group this year.
Thanks to the classy forward unleashing some old reliables from her box of tricks, the westerners have done just that, scoring the last six points to defeat Waterford by 0-16 to 0-11.
Mallon slotted four points from play, with some slick skills and smart finishing on view, while captain, Carrie Dolan clocked up nine points, and some of her placed ball hitting was out of the very top drawer, particularly given the rain.
Waterford’s first defeat of the campaign means they play Clare in the first of next weekend’s two quarter-finals, throwing in at 2.30pm as part of a double-header with the All-Ireland hurling semi-final involving Clare and Dublin on Saturday.
The Bannerwomen had to give best to Tipperary at The Ragg, 4-17 to 0-10 but their superior scoring difference ensured they made it to the last six at Limerick’s expense.
For their part, the Premiers must now turn their attention to a battle with a Kilkenny team that had this weekend off at HQ next Sunday, prior to that hurling semi-final between the same counties, with a 1.30pm throw-in.
On paper, the Galway-Waterford game was the tie of the round and Niamh Rockett and Annie Fitzgerald kept the visitors in it, even after Mallon’s three points in the third quarter had opened up a gap.
But with the teams deadlocked on 0-11 each with four minutes of regulation time remaining, the Maroons found another gear to advance to the semis.
“I think we learned a lot from last year,” said Mallon. “We got well turned over in Cork in the last group game this time last year and had to go to Croke Park the following week and win a quarter-final (against Waterford) and we wanted to try avoid that this year.
“It was probably unspoken but it was something that as a group we probably wanted to do and thankfully we have. We have four good weeks now of training to prepare for an All-Ireland semi-final.”
Aoife Donohue gets the sliotar away for Galway under (Photos: INPHO)
“We came here to get a result and we got it,” said Dolan. “Waterford were the form team of the group to be honest with you. We knew we had our work cut out for us. A draw going in at half-time. A draw coming down the home stretch, 11-11 but in fairness to our girls, they shoved on and got the next few scores.
“In the second half, Waterford dropped back. We went with a few short puckouts and Waterford picked off a few scores but the way the backs stood up in the second half, they won the battles there and set up the platform for the forwards.”
Mallon agreed that the defenders provided the platform, preferring to deflect the credit for her scoring towards that avenue.
“Credit to our workrate, particularly we got a platform from our defence, it was the same last week,” the Portaferry star noted. “It was massive to kick on and thankfully we did and we’re sitting pretty in an All-Ireland semi-final.
“Some days they fall for you and some days they don’t. They certainly didn’t last weekend, in the first half anyway.
“Players are putting them on a plate for you. Siobhán Gardiner came back after an ACL and popped one straight down the line and you could do nothing but score. It doesn’t matter who puts them over the bar. Galway 17-11, that’s all that matters at the end of the day.”
Kelly cut a contented figure after a third straight win continued the rehabilitation following a chastening opening round loss to Cork. Mary Burke and Casey Hennessy shared the goals between them, and Grace O’Brien registered eight points, but Kilkenny will be expected to represent a stronger level of opposition.
“It was good to get a performance a get a good score as well,” said Kelly (above). “Clare were that bit stiffer opposition than the previous two, so we’ve been improving gradually over the games.
“We got a bit of a knock-back with Cork at the start, but probably it was the best time to get it. We’ve been improving since so we’re happy enough with where we’re at.
“Kilkenny will be a big step-up again the next day but we’re looking forward to it. You need to get the test now, you’re coming into the business end of it so there’s no better team to give you that than Kilkenny
“Clodagh Quirke was a big loss to us, with the cruciate (her third such injury). We had lost Eimear McGrath (also with a cruciate) during the club campaign last year. They were two big losses but we have sort of gotten used to being without them now and the panel is growing together. These games have given us a great chance to give a good few girls game time, but we have a fairly solid team now.
“Through the League, we weren’t sure where we were at, with injuries and what not, but the games have helped us and we’re hoping that will pay off when we play Kilkenny next weekend.
“It’s extra pressure being knockout now but we need to deal with that. It would be great to have a big Tipperary crowd, hopefully they’ll get in for our game next Sunday before the hurling semi-final.
“We haven’t had massive support this year with the way the Championship is condensed. There’s been a lot of hurling and the other games, which take the supporters out but it’ll be different next week in Croke Park, so we’re hoping to put on a bit of a performance for them.
“And if we could get a win, we would have three weeks then to prepare for the semi-final, so that’s the carrot but we know it won’t be easy against Kilkenny.”
In the day’s other games, Amy O’Connor hit 3-5 as Cork beat Wexford 5-21 to 0-11. Saoirse McCarthy and Clodagh Finn also raised green flags.
Dublin recorded their first win of the Championship to ensure senior status. Like O’Connor, Emma Flanagan was in hat-trick scoring form. Aisling Maher clocked up 2-7 and Kerrie Finnegan helped herself to a brace of scores. That added up to a 7-19 to 1-11 victory over Derry.
Jackie Donnelly hit 1-2 for the Oak Leafers and Orlaith Hull shot six points but they will now focus on playing Wexford in a straight fight to avoid relegation.
