Advertisement
Opening Day

Wexford upset All-Ireland champions Galway as Clare, Cork and Kilkenny also win

The 2014 Liberty Insurance All-Ireland senior championship started this afternoon.

Aoife Callanan and Shauna Sinnott challenge for possession. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO

ALL-IRELAND CHAMPIONS Galway’s 2014 Liberty Insurance senior camogie championship campaign hasn’t got off to a good start, with old rivals Wexford inflicting a 2-12 to 1-11 defeat in a pulsating encounter at Kenny Park, Athenry today.

Wexford led at the end of a lively first half thanks to the superiority of Shelly Kehoe and Josie Dwyer at midfield, and Ursula Jacob’s scoring prowess. They could also thank goalkeeper Mags D’Arcy, who deflected Niamh McGrath’s penalty over the crossbar.

Helena Jacob’s side flew out of the traps in the second half with points from Dwyer and Jacob followed by a Fiona Rochford goal. Galway showed their mettle when a pass from Brenda Hanney was finished to the net by Orlaith McGrath and Aislinn Connolly levelled soon after.

Hanney was denied a goal by another brilliant save by D’Arcy before Kate Kelly’s injury time flew all the way to Galway net and Jacob pointed to secure the win.

Helena Jacob and Kate Kelly celebrate Wexford manager Helena Jacob and Kate Kelly celebrate. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO

Banner Win

Clare put their disappointing league final effort behind them with a 3-11 to 1-8 win over Derry at Celtic Park – the same score as when the teams met last year.

The hosts began well and their captain Meabh McGoldrick had two points on the board when Deirdre Murphy goaled. They steadied the ship once more but were rocked back on their heels by Fiona Lafferty’s goal. And when Lisa Loughnane gathered possession from Murphy’s sideline and rifled a shot to the net, it was 3-5 to 0-4.

It was 3-7 to 0-7 at half time but Derry were excellent in the second half but failed to capitalise on their possession, with the notable exception of Karen Kielt. The centre-forward did scramble a 43rd minute goal but Clare were always comfortable.

Anna Geary and Deirdre Murphy Lorraine O'Sullivan / INPHO Lorraine O'Sullivan / INPHO / INPHO

Cork Comfortable

It was very easy for Cork at O’Toole Park against a Dublin side, who despite two early points from Ali and Miriam Twomey, were never in contention as they lost by 4-24 to 0-5.

Paudie Murray’s girls were magnificent, with Jenny O’Leary helping herself to 2-9. Orla Cotter (1-6) and Katrina Mackey (1-4) were the other beneficiaries of the midfield dominance of Joanne Casey and Ashling Thompson.

Jennifer O'Leary 31/3/2013 Cork's Jennifer O'Leary hit 2-9 against Dublin today. Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

In the final game of the day, league champions Kilkenny were far too strong in Nowlan Park against Offaly tonight as they crashed in five goals en route to a 23-point victory.

The full results from today’s games in the Liberty Insurance camogie championship were:

Senior
Group 1
Cork 4-24 Dublin 0-5
Wexford 2-12 Galway 1-11

Group 2
Clare 3-11 Derry 1-8
Kilkenny 5-16 Offaly 0-8

Intermediate
Group 1
Limerick 2-18 Kildare 0-4

Group 2
Waterford 1-9 Meath 1-7

6 players to watch in the 2014 All-Ireland camogie championship

Galway start title defence and league champs Kilkenny in action – All-Ireland camogie throw-in