Cork 4-10 Kilkenny 1-10
By Therese O’Callaghan
In a repeat of last year’s All Ireland senior camogie final, reigning champions Cork maintained their dominance over Kilkenny in a rip-roaring semi-final at Walsh Park today. A rousing second-half display earned the Rebels their spot against Galway in four weeks’ time.
Cork led 1-7 to 1-6 at half-time, having overturned a seven point advantage that Kilkenny held after 18 minutes. A second goal from Orla Cotter, one from the outstanding Katrina Mackey and Amy O’Connor put them into a commanding lead. And with Aoife Murray, Laura Treacy and Gemma O’Connor powerful in the spine, Cork proved unstoppable.
Kilkenny got off to a brilliant start with Michelle Quilty putting the sliotar in the net after just three minutes. Further points from Katie Power, Claire Phelan and Denise Gaule placed them 1-6 to 0-2 ahead. However, Cork fought back in what was their best performance to date to take their place in the final next month.
Scores and teams:
Scorers for Cork:O Cotter (2-3), A O’Connor (1-2), K Mackey (1-1), B Corkery and J White (0-2 each).
Scorers for Kilkenny: D Gaule (0-5), M Quilty (1-0), K Power (0-2), C Phelan, A Dalton and M Walsh (0-1 each).
Cork: A Murray; L O’Sullivan, L Treacy, R Buckley; P Mackey, G O’Connor, M Cahalane; J White, A Thompson; O Cotter, O Cronin, K Mackey; H Looney, B Corkery, A O’Connor.
Subs: E O’Sullivan for H Looney (43), H Looney for O Cronin (55).
Kilkenny: E Kavanagh; E Keane, S Quirke, C Foley; C Dormer, A Connery, D Tobin; C Phelan, A Gannon; M Quilty, A Farrell, D Gaule; A Dalton, M Walsh, K Power.
Subs: S Farrell for A Farrell, A Dunphy for A Gannon (both half-time), J Frisby for C Foley (50 inj), A Neary for M Quilty (57).
Referee: Ray Kelly (Kildare).