Slaneysiders prove their greatness on day to remember at HQ
Time and again, over a thrilling hour, their gallant Cork opponents asked searching questions of the champions. On each occasion the Slaneysiders produced the perfect response.
Wexford closed out the game in spectacular fashion. Twelve months ago, Ursula Jacob snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with her late goal against Galway.
This time the Oulart-the-Ballagh player was the star again, thrilling each one of the 15,006 people that came to Croke Park. Her 2-7 was a magnificent return and earned the corner forward a deserving player of the match accolade.
Her second goal in particular was a stunning effort, a first-time pull from distance which flew John Fenton-like into the top corner. And Katrina Parrock’s first half effort wasn’t bad either!
We expected a terrific battle and both sides kept up their end of the bargain. But when it really mattered the champions just wanted it that bit more.
They dominated at crucial stages and never panicked when their opponents looked to have taken control. Cork gave it everything, and can be proud of contributing to a wonderful final. They brought a game plan with Claire Shine a late change, running at the Wexford rearguard from the opening whistle.
After a nervous start, Cork clicked into gear and looked to have their illustrious opponents rattled.
However, Wexford’s work rate was unrelenting. Claire O’Connor, Mary Leacy and Deirdre Codd started to rule and when Jacob pounced after Murray stopped the sliotar from going over the bar, Wexford were re-energised. But, Cork were not fazed; straight from the puck out Katrina Mackey cut through for a green flag. We didn’t have time to blink. We had a two-point game with a quarter of an hour left to play.
But, critically, Jacob then proceeded to turn the screw with her sensational screamer into the net and the momentum had swung back to the women from the south-east.
After that Wexford had no difficulty staying on top with their midfield and half-back lines leading by example.
Time and again Cork tried to find a way through, but were repelled at every turn by JJ Doyle’s troops.
The champions finished out in style. Fittingly, it was Jacob who had the final say.
Though all the focus today may be on the senior decider, let’s not forget that this was an incredible afternoon for the sport at GAA headquarters.
It was thrill a minute from once the Premier Junior final threw in at noon to the last whistle around 6pm.
A day when camogie proved the ultimate winner.
