Orla Cotter inspires Cork camogie team past Kilkenny

National Camogie League champions Kilkenny lost the opening game of their title defence with a four-point reversal against Cork at the Mardyke yesterday (0-9 to 0-5).

Aoife Neary, Denise Gaule and Megan Farrell gave the visitors the early initiative while the hosts were reliant on Orla Cotter for scores.

Cotter’s missed penalty in the 28th minute left Cork trailing by a point at the break 0-4 to 0-3 and Kilkenny extended that lead to two with a Gaule free moments after the restart.

But that score stung Cork into action with Katriona Mackey and Cotter to the fore. Cotter finished with seven points to secure a crucial result for the All-Ireland champions

Dublin claimed a magnificent win over last year’s League finalists Clare in Clonlara (1-13 to 1-11).

Dublin opened their campaign with a home win over Derry but this was a significant step up on that and they were not found wanting thanks to the excellence of Ali Twomey, Louise O’Hara, Alison Maguire and Síle Nic Coitir.

The teams were level at the break (0-6 apiece) with the only score from play coming from Clare’s Fiona Lafferty. Chloe Morey completed the home team’s tally from frees, while Twomey registered all Dublin’s scores from placed balls. The defining moment came at the start of the second half — Dublin won a free at the throw in and O’Hara doubled on Twomey’s delivery to send the sliotar to the corner of the Clare net.

Dublin defended resolutely thereafter and were five points ahead when Morey goaled from a 25m free in the 59th minute.

Meanwhile, goals from Áine Leacy and Jackie Quigley gave Wexford a hard-earned 2-4 to 1-8 win over Offaly.

Limerick continued their good start with a 1-14 to 1-7 win over Tipperary.