Galway's senior camogie side will look to add the Division 1A title to their trophy cabinet when they take on Waterford at UPMC Nowlan Park this Sunday, April 12.
The Tribeswomen booked their spot in the Centra Camogie League Division 1A final after a commanding 0-18 to 1-9 victory over Cork in the final round of league games in March. They take on Waterford, who have been the standout team in the league so far.
Na Deise suffered just one defeat in the league campaign. That was to Tipperary in Round 5, after making a handful changes with their final berth already booked. Waterford had won four on the bounce going into the final round of league fixtures, including a 0-12 to 1-5 victory over Galway in Round 2.
Cathal Murray's side had enjoyed an up-and-down campaign going into the All-Ireland final repeat in Kenny Park last month, but their performance sent a reminder that they are still the team to beat this year.
The Tribeswomen rose to the occasion in Athenry. Having lost their opening two games, they knew only victory would give them a chance to compete for league silverware.
Carrie Dolan was exceptional once more, flying out of the blocks to shoot three points and almost bag a fortuitous goal. Going into the second quarter of the first-half, the sides were level at 0-5 apiece. But it was that second quarter where Galway strut their stuff. Galway hit six on the trot, two each from Dolan, Niamh McPeake and Aoibheann Barry.
The second half was scrappy, with just five points scored in the first 20 minutes after the interval. But it was the Tribeswomen who kept nudging themselves ahead with McPeake bringing her tally to four from play. A late Orlaith Cahalane goal was of little relevance and Galway's place in Sunday's final was booked.
Galway are gaining momentum after a slow start. They are starting to look a lot more like the side that claimed the O'Duffy Cup last summer. They will be desperate to get one over on Na Deise after that loss early in the season.
Sunday provides the ultimate opportunity to strike a blow and lay down the gauntlet going into their All-Ireland defence this summer.
All roads lead to Nowlan Park. Throw-in is 2.15pm on Sunday, April 12.
