Galway v Tipperary: Division 1A Round 2

February 24, 2024

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2024 National Camogie League Division 1A – Round 2

Galway v Tipperary.
Date: 24 February 2024, 3pm.
Venue: The Ragg, Thurles.
Referee: Aaron Hogg.

FT: Galway 1-13 Tipperary 3-10

WATCH: Match video (via Camogie Association)

Match Report

by Daragh Ó Conchúir (Camogie Association)

Galway’s bid for a third consecutive Very National League camogie Division 1A title has been dealt a blow after an Eimear McGrath inspired Tipperary recorded a 3-10 to 1-13 victory over the Tribeswomen in a rip-roaring Round 2 encounter at The Ragg.

McGrath contributed a whopping 3-7 of the winning side’s tally and Denis Kelly’s charges were worthy victors. Carrie Dolan shot eight points for Galway but every time the Maroons looked like getting themselves back into the game, they conceded a goal to leave themselves with a mountain to climb. Of course Tipp, who lost their opening tie to Waterford last week and are minus the services of multiple All-Star and more-than-a-decade-long leading scorer Cáit Devane, have given themselves a chance of making the final as a result of this tremendous effort. Niamh Niland lofted a monumental equaliser for Galway in the 12^th minute after a lively start by both teams, but McGrath had her first goal on the board 27 seconds later. Eimear Heffernan gathered possession from Nicole Walsh’s puckout and offloaded to Tess Ryan, who rampaged through the middle before finding McGrath, whose low shot beat Fiona Ryan.

Dolan kept Galway ticking over as she finished the first half with six points but McGrath raised a second green flag on her way to registering 2-4 in the first half alone, benefiting from the massive work rate of her forward colleagues to crash beyond Ryan and make it 2-6 to 0-8 at the change of ends. McGrath claimed her hat-track in the 42^nd minute with a delightful finish after a fantastic move started by Clodagh McIntyre and with eight points between the teams Galway were up against it. Cathal Murray’s outfit gave it a good go but Siobhán Gardiner’s injury time goal came too late.

ADDITIONAL:

Galway beaten by Tipperary in National Camogie League – Galway Bay FM
League champions Galway stumble to goal-hungry Tipp – Connacht Tribune

Senior Team

Captain – Róisín Black (Oranmore Maree)
Vice Captains – Siobhan McGrath (Sarsfields), Carrie Dolan (Clarinbridge)

Match Preview

By Daragh Ó Conchúir

Galway got their bid for third consecutive top-flight Very National League title off to a promising start with a convincing victory over Clare. New captain, Róisín Black led a strong defensive effort, while one of four debutants, Niamh Niland slotted four points from play and was many people’s idea of player of the match. Unusually for the westerners, they didn’t register a goal.

Newly-married manager, Cathal Murray has always taken the League seriously and given player form in the competition a high value when picking teams later in the season, so we can expect Galway to maintain a high level.

Tipperary came out the wrong side of a dogfight with Waterford last Saturday by a goal and will want to get the show back on the road. They were without perennial leading scorer Cáit Devane, among others, but have a fine record at The Ragg – last weekend’s tie was moved at the 11^th hour, which might not have been a help.

They don’t fear Galway either. They began this competition last year with a one-point victory over the Tribeswomen in Ballinderreen, so this will be an interesting contest once more.

ADDITIONAL PREVIEW