The Galway U16 Camogie Team face Kilkenny this Saturday in the All-Ireland U16A Camogie Final at St Brendan's Park in Birr, Co. Offaly.
The Tribeswomen booked their place in a fourth successive U16 All-Ireland final with an extra-time victory over Tipperary just over a fortnight ago. A crucial Sarah Maher goal in extra-time sealed a 2-18 to 2-14 win in Crinkill.
This thrilling back-and-forth contest kicked off with Katie Brogan getting the opening score inside the first minute. Tipp's Molly Jones and Lily Ivors responded to edge their side in front before an Orna Dunne brace of points and another Brogan score restored the Galway lead.
With five minutes of the half remaining, Galway led 0-6 to 0-4 thanks to scores from Della Griffin and Ciara Mullins. But this Tipp team refused to go away, as Ivors struck three further frees before the break to leave the sides level at 0–7 apiece.
A goal from Cara Giblin in the 48th minute, shortly after coming on, gave her side a four-point cushion entering the final ten minutes. Again, Tipperary rallied with Ivors firing home a quick goal before Maria Groome added a point to level the game heading into the final three minutes. Both sides traded late scores, leaving the sides deadlocked at 1–13 apiece at full time.
Tipperary got off to the perfect extra time start with a goal from Molly Jones but Galway were most impressive. They responded with points from Roche (two frees ), Brogan, and Dunne to lead by one going into the interval. Galway never lifted the foot off the gas, another score from Dunne and Maher's goal ensured a five-point victory and a shot at All-Ireland glory.
It all comes down to Saturday for Galway's young camogie stars. They have the talent and they have proven that they have the never-say-die mentality required to lift major silverware.
Throw-in at St Brendan’s Park is 2pm on Saturday. The game will be shown live on the Camogie Association's YouTube channel.
