Kilkelly in sparkling form as Tribeswomen foil Clare’s title challenge

Galway 1-12 Clare2-5

Clare were enhanced by the return of the injured Moira McMahon but even her presence in the half back line failed to deter a resolute maroon and white who were anxious to make amends for not taking the spoils in Croke Park on September 21.

In a very enjoyable contest watched before a huge audience, Galway were put on guard early when Aoife Ryan goaled for Clare. However, their response was immediate when player-of-the-match Emma Kilkelly combined brilliantly with Ann Marie Hayes to rattle the net after 15 minutes.

The Tribeswomen were resolute and took a four-point lead in at the break, 1-6 to 1-2, but it was upon the resumption that they really set to work.

With points from Kilkelly and substitute Catherine Glynn, they increased their advantage to 1-8 to 1-5 and, with further scores from Cathy Bowes (two), Hayes and captain Brenda Kerins, they stretched this lead to seven points.

However, showing the same tenacious spirit of three weeks ago, Clare led by their outstanding centre back Noelle Comyn fought back through a Deirdre Murphy goal. But time ran out as Galway regained the cup that they last captured in 1998.

Scorers Galway: E Kilkelly 1-2, C Bowes 0-3, M Flanagan (0-1 free) and A M Hayes 0-2 each, B Hanny, C Glynn and B Kerins 0-1 each.

Clare: D Murphy 1-2 (frees), A Ryan 1-0, A Keane, C O’Loughlin and L Linnane 0-1 each.

GALWAY: S Earner; L Flynn, S Cahalan, N Lawless; N Gavin, R Corcoran, S Keane; C Kelly, C Glennon; B Hanny, C Bowes, M Flanagan; B Kerins (capt), A M Hayes, E Kilkelly.

Subs: C Glynn for M Flanagan (26 mins).

CLARE: P O’Grady; J Scanlon, D Lynch, Catriona McMahon; M McMahon, N Comyn, M O’Looney; D Corcoran, L Linnane; A Ryan, D Murphy, C Lynch; Clare McMahon, C O’Loughlin (capt), A Keane.

Subs: R Kaiser for A Keane (41 mins), E Gallery for A Ryan (55 mins), A Kilmartin for D Lynch (57 mins).

Referee: E Browne (Tipperary).