Cork edge Galway to advance to league final

Cork are back in the National Camogie Division 1 League final for the first time since 2007 courtesy of a 1-12 to 0-10 victory over Galway in Sixmilebridge on Saturday.

Wexford provided the opposition five years ago and will do so again after snatching a 1-4 to 0-6 victory over Kilkenny in Carriganore yesterday.

Gemma O’Connor was the winning captain as the Rebels edged out Wexford to claim their 14th title in 2007, while Jennifer O’Leary scored the winning point and the duo were the key stars again at the weekend.

The sides were level on 0-3 apiece when some good work by Orla Cotter and Eimear O’Sullivan in the 13th minute set O’Leary up for a goal.

The Tribeswomen responded well with four points in six minutes from Aislinn Connolly (two frees), Brenda Hanney and Therese Maher but Cork finished with three points from Regina Curtin and two placed ball conversions by O’Leary to lead 1-6 to 0-7 at half-time.

O’Leary added three points after the resumption as Cork pulled clear, and Galway fell away.

Wexford are chasing a fourth league title in a row but they were made to fight all the way by a valiant Kilkenny side.

A strong crossfield wind made life difficult for both sides. Scores were at a premium as Kilkenny led 0-4 to 0-2 at the break after Aoife Neary pointed three frees in the final eight minutes to push the Noresiders clear.

The key moment arrived in the 40th minute, when Ursula Jacob’s delivery was netted by Evelyn Quigley, after Kilkenny goalkeeper Caitriona Ryan had saved her initial effort.

Points from Katie Power and Aoife Neary brought the sides level with 12 minutes remaining but it was the champions who came up with the winner, courtesy of an Ursula Jacob free in the 57th minute.