Galway camogie favourites to advance

Galway will be expected to advance to the Liberty Insurance Senior Camogie Championship semi-finals when they face Tipperary in the second of a double header at Semple Stadium on Saturday.

Dublin will face Wexford in the first game at 5pm, with Galway's quarter-final following at 7pm.

Galway qualified as runners-up in group one, while Tipperary made it through by one point on score difference against their victims, Offaly.

However Galway will be wary of a Tipperary side that has shown before that they can bother the very best if they put their best foot forward.

They were in the top six last year and were minutes away from a sensational victory over Wexford, but they allowed an eight-point lead to slip and went out to a Kate Kelly injury-time point.

Although without Sarah Fryday, Cáit Devane’s return has offered more firepower, while Galway will need to marshall Orla O’Dwyer, Megan Ryan and Nicole Walsh who are also dangerous in attack.

Galway, however, have been gaining momentum under manager Mark Dunne and his new backroom team of retired player Molly Dunne and ex-Galway and Dublin hurler Niall Corcoran.

Niamh Kilkenny remains a driving force from the middle, and along with Lorraine Ryan, provides serious leadership. Ailish O’Reilly has taken over the freetaking duties, while Orlaith McGrath is in top form.

There have been some tweaks in defence with long-hitting Sarah Healy assuming the goalkeeper’s mantle from the now-retired Susan Earner.

Galway are favourites after a solid league campaign. They should have the scoring prowess to advance. Extra time is to be played in the event of a draw.

 

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