O’Connor points the way as Cork see off Premier

CORK’S camogie team repeated the feat of the county’s hurlers a fortnight ago by defeating old rivals Tipperary.

The champions held off a brave second-half rally from the Premier to secure a 1-16 to 0-15 win in the first round of the Gala All-Ireland senior championship at Semple Stadium

Gemma O’Connor and Orla Cotter were amongst the stars for the champions who raced into a 0-9 to 0-4 interval lead. Maria Walsh’s goal three minutes after the restart stretched their advantage to seven points.

But Tipp rallied with Mary Ryan was defiant in defence and with Claire Grogan unerring from placed balls – she slotted five frees and a 45 along with a score from play – they dragged themselves back in contention.

Crucially though, O’Connor kept sniping the odd score to give her side breathing space, and she finished with five points.

Last year’s runners-up Kilkenny, got their campaign off to a good start with a 1-14 to 1-11 win over Galway.

Ann Downey’s side led 0-9 to 0-5 at half time with Michelle Quilty and Denise Gaule impressing in attack. Galway upped the tempo after the resumption, scoring 1-4 without reply. Captain, Aislinn Connolly, who top-scored for the Tribeswomen with seven points (six frees, 1 45), helped draw the sides level with a couple of good scores before Brenda Hanney struck for the goal but Kilkenny showed commendable character to fight back. Ann Dalton slotted two points before Quilty set up Aoife Neary for a 48th minute goal to restore Kilkenny’s advantage. Galway pushed hard for an equalising goal but a block by Catherine Doherty denied Connolly.

In the third game, Clare came away from St Peregrine’s with a 2-10 to 0-9 win over Dublin.

The home side tried hard and had one of the game’s most outstanding performers in midfielder Louise O’Hara, who shot four points from play and a couple more from frees. Clare always had the superior attacking threat though and driven forward by centre-back Kate Lynch, they struck for their first goal in the 21st minute, Claire McMahon finishing well to help her side lead at the break by 1-6 to 0-4. Once the ever-threatening Norah Murphy slammed the sliotar to the Dublin net 12 minutes from time there was no doubting the final verdict.