Cork and Wexford clash in semi-final

THE semi-final draw for the All-Ireland camogie championship has pitted Kilkenny against Galway and Wexford versus Cork.

This means that a repeat of last year’s final remains a possibility, although Kilkenny and Cork will aim to prevent such an occurrence.

The Noresiders will enter their clash with last year’s beaten finalists in confident mood after a 2-16 to 1-13 win over Cork on Saturday.

Edel Maher notched up an early goal to help Kilkenny to a 1-3 to 0-0 lead after four minutes.

A long range Síle Burns free ended in the Kilkenny net on 22 minutes but Cork trailed 1-12 to 1-4 at the break.

Maher turned provider for Michelle Quilty to handpass a goal soon after the resumption and with Marie Dargan bringing her tally to five points, Kilkenny remained in command, despite Orla Cotter’s three late points for Cork.

Galway and Tipperary were both understrength at The Ragg, where the westerners won 3-20 to 1-11.

The hosts began well with points from Cora Hennessy, the magnificent Jill Horan, Siobhan McGrath and Ali Lonergan.

Galway then seized the initiative, despite Tipp goalie Rita Burke saving Martina Conroy’s 12th minute penalty.

Points from Sandra Tannian, Veronica Curtin, Jessica Gill and Tara Rutledge gave them a 0-11 to 0-7 half-time lead.

Rutledge goaled early in the second half and when Curtin’s speculative delivery ended in the net, the outcome was assured.

Substitute Aislinn Connolly struck four points from play and though Tipp had a consolation goal from Rosie Kenneally, Galway struck back in kind thanks to another substitute, Niamh Kilkenny.

Dublin produced their best performance of the season but Wexford had just too much power in recording a 1-16 to 0-9 success. Ursula Jacob had eight points, while Una Leacy notched up four and Evelyn Quigley goaled late on.

Alison Maguire and Sarah Ryan provided three points each for Dublin.

Meanwhile, Offaly brought their debut season at senior championship level to a happy end when recording their second victory after a cracking encounter against Clare in Birr. Three goals in a five-minute spell in the second half from Marion Crean, Siobhan Flannery and Karen Nugent secured the 3-12 to 1-14 win.