Our nerves are shot… what a game!
Cork ladies were crowned Tesco National League Division 1 champions after a pulsating replay played out in O’Moore Park, Portlaoise on Saturday evening.
Cork captain Ciara O’Sullivan lifts the cup
The rebelettes scooped the coveted cup for the third time in a row after a thrilling finale, which saw them edge Galway by a single point on a final scoreline of 0-14 to 1-10.
Division 1 champions – Cork ladies.
It wasn’t all plain sailing for Cork though, as Galway’s Patricia Gleeson sent a rocket to the back of the net just before half-time to put her side ahead by the smallest of margins.
It was a short-lived lead though, as star forward for Cork, Valerie Mulcahy slotted over a fantastic point in reply and from there on in, the game was well and truly in the melting pot.
Cork’s Rena Buckley with Edel Concannon and Annette Clarke of Galway.
Cork were in the lead at half-time, 0-10 to 1-5, but it was Galway who came out of the traps the fastest after the break with an Annette Clarke free and a good score from Louise Ward.
Galway then took the lead after a fantastic move from Nicola Ward that was finished by Marie Hoey but again, at the crucial moment, it was Valerie Mulcahy who drew the sides level after 46 minutes.
Annette Clarke in action for Galway.
Tensions continued to run high as Cork went back in front with a point from the talented Eimear Scally but the dangerous Tracey Leonard equalised at the other end minutes later.
Inspiration for Galway came in the form of stalwart Annette Clarke who slotted over in style with nine minutes left, but it was then that disaster struck as Galway captain Geraldine Conneally was sent to the sin bin, reducing Galway to 14 for the remainder of the match.
Galway ladies pictured before the replay.
Heroic defending from Galway was just not enough as the time ticked down, and Cork threw everything at them with Valerie Mulcahy pointing a vital free to draw the game and all eyes were on the clock as extra time threatened.
Cork had one last trick up their sleeves though, the winner finally coming from an unbelievable point from Rena Buckley which sent Cork to their third Division 1 title in a row on a final score of Cork 0-14 to Galway’s 1-10, with Cork’s Bríd Stack crowned Player of the Match.
Well done @BridStackie player of the game, and @CorkLGFA on another All Ireland win! Enjoy the celebrations!!x pic.twitter.com/S6x6ry6k5W
— maire lyons (@maire23) May 16, 2015
