More Croke Park heartbreak for Waterford
Waterford’s Roisin Kirwan and Laoise Forrest dejected as the Déise bowed out of the All-Ireland Camogie championship at Croke Park. Photo: INPHO/JamesCrombie
Glen Dimplex All Ireland Camogie Quarter Final
Galway 1-12
Waterford 1-9
Devastation for the Déise camogie team in Croke Park this afternoon as Galway advanced to the last four of the All Ireland championship courtesy of a 1-12 to 1-9 victory.
In a cagey encounter, Player of the Match Aoife Donohue netted a 40th minute goal as the Tribeswomen set up a semi final meeting with Tipperary. Corner back Dervla Higgins also played a starring role.
Cathal Murray's charges opened up a five point lead with ten minutes left but Waterford stayed in the fight. Beth Carton blasted home a penalty on 52 minutes after a foul on Niamh Rockett. Goalkeeper Brianna O'Regan then nailed a massive free to close the gap to one (1-10 to 1-9). It proved to be their last score as points from Donohue and Olwen Rabbitte closed out the game for Galway. Waterford still haven't beaten the Westerners in league and championship since earning promotion to the senior ranks back in 2015.
Injuries to Beth Carton and Lorraine Bray didn't help the Déise cause. Carton pulled her hamstring in the opening exchanges. The four-time All Star soldiered on and fired a superb pass to Rockett before she was hauled down for that penalty. Bray also tried to play through the pain barrier but was replaced with four minutes left. Mairéad O'Brien came on for the last quarter but hadn't fully recovered from a knee problem.
Niamh Rockett shot three points from play in her best performance of the year. Bevin Bowdren also put in a big shift around the middle third.
Galway shaded a forgettable first half 7-5. Both teams employed extra defenders. Niamh Mallon knocked over two points from play by the tenth minute but Laoise Forrest dominated that duel for the remainder. Sarah Healy stopped Tara Power at one end while Brianna O'Regan denied Niamh McPeake at the other.
Galway number Dervla Higgins delivered an inspirational score from distance. Carton converted three dead balls for Waterford while Orla Hickey and Niamh Rockett hit a point each from play.
