Late drama as Galway get second chance

Derry 3-12 Galway 3-12

The final ended in a welter of excitement, when, with her side trailing by two points, Derry’s Karen Kielt handpassed to the net in the second minute of injury-time.

Referee Ger O’Dowd had blown prematurely for a penalty though after Kielt’s jersey had been tugged, placing huge pressure on Kate McAnenly. The Castledawson player proved up to the task though, driving an unstoppable shot to the Galway net to put her side a point ahead.

There was still time for Galway to hit back though and Rachel Monaghan was awarded a free, from which she herself pointed to ensure a replay on September 29.

Derry looked like they were cruising in the first half, as Eilís Ní Chasaide’s fortuitous goal helped them open up a seven-point advantage, but a Maria Brehony goal gave Galway hope. McAnenly and Catriona Cormican exchanged goals but Derry’s lead was down to two at half-time.

Gráinne McGoldrick stretched that to three early in the second half, although television replays showed her shot was clearly wide.

Although Derry went four clear, Galway gradually took over and Deirdre Burke’s goal proved an inspiration. Points by Rachel Monaghan and McGrath looked to have put them on their way until the late drama unfolded.

Scorers for Galway: E Kilkelly 0-5 (1f, 1 45), R Monaghan 0-3 (2fs), M Brehony, C Cormican, D Burke 1-0 each, O Curtin 0-2, A O’Reilly, C McGrath 0-1 each.

Scorers for Derry: K McAnenly 2-0 (1-0pen), K Kielt 0-5 (2fs), E Ní Chasaide 1-0, T McElroy, G McNicholl 0-2 each, S Quinn, S Cassidy, G McGoldrick (f) 0-1 each.

GALWAY: R Callanan; T Kenny, P Kenny, C Gill; L Farrell, S Noone, S Keane; C McGrath, A Lynsky; A O’Reilly, E Kilkelly, M Brehony; D Burke, O Curtin, E O’Sullivan.

Subs: C Cormican for Lynskey (20), R Monaghan for Keane (inj. 30), A Kenny for O’Sullivan (41), R Hennelly for Brehony (52).

DERRY: C O’Kane; M Quinn, A Ní Chasaide, A Mullan; A McCusker, E Ní Chasaide, M McGoldrick; S Cassidy, G McNicholl; T McElroy, K McAnenly, G McGoldrick; S Quinn, O Bradley, K Kielt.

Subs: M Mooney for Quinn (34), K Bradley for O Bradley (46), A McPeake for Quinn (49).

Referee: G O’Dowd (Limerick).