Rebelettes survive Galway test

Cork 1-17 Galway 3-11

Cork’s three-in-a-row dreams are still alive but only just as they emerged from a Gala All-Ireland senior camogie semi-final of cracking quality at Nowlan Park with a hard-earned draw this afternoon.

Denise Cronin’s charges looked to be on the way to booking their place in the final as five points on the trot edged them four clear with the wind at their backs.

The brilliant Veronica Curtin struck for two goals in the final quarter though and it took two late pointed frees from Síle Burns to snatch a second chance.

Galway began well with the wind at their backs, Curtin getting them off the mark after just 30 seconds and the deadly Aislinn Connolly converting a free.

A 12th-minute goal from Jennifer O’Leary after a mis-hit free from Burns put Cork in front but Galway responded with a brilliantly-worked team goal, finished to the roof of the net by Tara Rutledge.

The westerners pushed on with points from distance by Connolly, Caroline Murray and Breda Hanney. Cork began to exert their authority late on and finished the half with six consecutive points to lead at the interval by 1-8 to 1-7.

The teams could not be separated however and will cross swords once again next Sunday at a yet-to-be decided venue.

Cork: A Murray; J O’Callaghan, C Foley, R Buckley; J Duffy, M O’Connor, A Geary; O Cotter 0-1, E O’Sullivan 0-1; J White 0-1, G O’Connor, J O’Leary 1-3; S Burns 0-9(8fs, 1 45), R Moloney 0-1, J Casey 0-1. Sub: P Mackey for O’Callaghan (46).

Galway: S Earner; S Tannian, S Dervan, N Kilkenny; R Glynn, AM Hayes, S Keane; E Kilkelly, O Kilkenny 0-2; C Murray 0-1, T Maher, B Hanney 0-1; T Rutledge 1-0, V Curtin 2-2, A Connolly 0-5(fs). Subs: T Manton for Keane (ht); L Ryan for Kilkelly (41).

Referee: K O’Brien (Dublin).