Cathal Murray's side impressed as they secured a 1-18 to 1-11 semi-final victory over Tipperary at Nowlan Park last weekend. They did not have it all their own way, but the Tribeswomen prevailed to set up a repeat of last year's final at Croke Park.
Galway's full-back line of Dervla Higgins, Shauna Healy and Róisín Black laid the foundations. A sensational block from Higgins saved her side what could have been a nervy final few minutes.
But it is Galway's scoring prowess and accuracy that catches the eye. Niamh Mallon's goal on 38 minutes was a turning point, but Ailish O'Reilly's four points should not slip under the radar. It was O'Reilly who drilled the pass into Mallon for her goal.
By the 25th minute mark, Galway were six points to the good with Croker in sight. An uncharacteristic goalkeeping error from Sarah Healy kicked off a Tipp resurgence that would see the sides go in level at the interval at 0-9 to 1-6 and all the momentum with Denis Kelly’s side.
Murray clearly used the half-time break well. The Tribeswomen weathered the storm and reassumed the lead and control right from the throw-in. Niamh Mallon was fouled, Carrie Dolan converted.
After Mallon's goal put them four points clear, Tipperary faced an uphill task. From the 33rd minute to the finish, Galway dominated 1-8 to 0-4.
With revenge firmly in sight, Galway now can start working towards putting an end to Cork's three-in-a-row dream.
