Changes do Wexford no harm while McGrath inspires Banner

Wexford and Galway took the field in their opening Division 1 Camogie League tie without many of the regulars that have graced both sides over the years.

Despite all the change, Wexford operating under Martin Lynch for the first time since JJ Doyle stood down, the result was the same, 2-10 to 1-10 to the Leinster side at Ballinasloe’s Duggan Park.

The crucial period came at the beginning of the final quarter, as Wexford registered 2-2 between the 46th and 48th minutes to turn the game around.

Clare came out on top in the other Group 2 game, beating Dublin in Sixmilebridge by 0-15 to 1-5. The hosts were four points up when Áine Fanning goaled for Dublin. Alice Maguire (free) and Ali Twomey added points but Clare regained their composure with points from Fiona Lafferty, Deirdre Murphy and Claire McMahon to lead by 0-8 to 1-3 at the half time.

McMahon notched up two early points from frees and Dublin moved goalkeeper, Fiona Hayes into their attack to try to increase their potency. She did register a point but with Máire McGrath following up her imperious Ashbourne Cup form with another brilliant midfield display and Naomi Carroll weighing in with some excellent scores, Clare were comfortable winners.

In Group 1, Cork had eight different scorers as they racked up 0-19 in overcoming Tipperary at Páirc Uí Rinn.

Jenny O’Leary was deadly accurate from placed balls, with seven of her eight points coming from frees. Síle Burns, Katrina Mackey and Finola Neville added seven points from play as Cork maintained their advantage throughout.

They led by 0-8 to 0-6 at the break and with O’Leary, Mackey and Eimear O’Sullivan in outstanding form, they kept their noses in front despite a significant contribution of 1-5 from Nicole Walsh for Tipperary.

In the final Division 1 game, Kilkenny were easy winners over Derry in Bray. The Noresiders were all business and prevailed on a 2-16 to 1-7 scoreline.