Kilkenny, Galway too smart

Galway and Kilkenny defeated Cork and Clare respectively in the top flight of the National Camogie League yesterday.

The Leesiders were largely reliant on Jennifer O’Leary, who scored six points, and Katrina Mackey, who contributed their remaining four. By contrast, Galway had eight different scorers, while Sarah Dervan gave an eye-catching performance from centre-back.

Galway outscored their opponents by 0-6 to 0-1 thanks to Aislinn Connolly before the interval to lead by 0-11 to 0-6.

The game was over by the ninth minute, when Brenda Hanney goaled after being sent clear by Tara Rutledge. Cork kept fighting hard, with Mackey and O’Leary accurate from frees but Jessica Gill and Noreen Coen ensured a comfortable 1-16 to 0-10 success for Galway.

Kilkenny recovered from their opening round defeat to Cork by producing a spirited second-half performance.

A Chloe Morey goal from a rebound just before the interval, pushed Clare 1-4 to 0-2 in front at the break and it was looking bad for the Noresiders.

The brilliant Aoife Neary fired over nine points.