PURCELL SHIELD FINAL 2020
NUI Galway 3-10 Garda College, Templemore 1-9
By Michael O'Connor.
A magnificent outing at midfield from Oranmore/Maree’s Rachel Hanniffy coupled with a strong second half showing from Clarinbridge’s Carrie Dolan allowed NUI Galway to finish their camogie season with the Purcell Shield.
They defeated Garda College, Templemore in UL on Monday
night. Despite the difficult conditions that persisted over the weekend there
was little of same present for the game.
Both
sides were early on the scoreboard as NUI Galway led (0-3) to (0-2) after ten
minutes with Carrie Dolan (3) the Galway college scorer. Molly Mannion struck
for the first of three Galway goals to send her side (1-3) to (0-2) clear.
When it appeared that NUI Galway were about to stretch
clear they retreated into their own half for most of the second quarter as
Garda College upped their performance.
A number of frees conceded by NUI Galway were
successfully converted by Garda college to send them ahead with five minutes
remaining in the first half.
NUI Galway rallied with scores from Chloe Broderick and
Rachel Hanniffy who was the best player on the field throughout. At the
interval Garda College led (1-7) to (1-5).
NUI
Galway were the better side in the early stages of the second half operating
more direct with less carrying and short play. Two Dolan frees levelled the
game as Garda college were fortunate not to concede two goals in the first five
minutes.
Eventually they conceded their second goal when Carrie
Dolan hit a goal from a penalty to send NUI Galway ahead.
Try as they might, Garda College were unable to create
much need goal opportunities in the second half and were restricted to four
points.
The winners suffered a major blow in the 40th minute when
midfielder Rachel Fitzmaurice suffered a blow to her ankle and had to retire as
Niamh Treacy entered as her replacement.
NUI
Galway did struggle at time to confirm their superiority on proceedings despite
being in the ascendancy for the second half. Chloe Broderick, Leah Burke,
Aisling Corry, Rachel Hanniffy, Molly Mannion and Dolan were to the fore.
The game sealing score a 55th minute goal
from substitute Corina McMahon.
NUIGALWAY: Muireann O Reilly (Castlegar), Caoimhe Holland (Tullaroan, Kilkenny) Laura Ward (Sarsfields), Niamh Black (Oranmore Maree), Leah Burke (Killimordaly) Hannah Scott (James Stephens, Kilkenny), Aisling Corry (Scariff/Ogonnelloe, Clare), Rachel Fitzmaurice (Athleague, Roscommon), Rachel Hanniffy (Oranmore/Maree) (0-1), Chloe Broderick (Castlegar)(0-1), Molly Mannion (Mountbellew/Moylough)(1-1), Clodagh McCormack (Naomh Brid, Offaly), Orla Maher (Shinrone, Offaly) Carrie Dolan (Clarinbridge)(1-7), Maire Ni Fhrigil (Cois Farraige). Subs: Niamh Treacy (Killimor), Corina McMahon (Corofin, Clare) (1-0)
REFEREE:
Mike Ryan (Tipperary)
After the game Liam Clancy, Camogie Association presented the Purcell Shield to NUI Galway vice captain Carrie Dolan. Grace Teehan (Offaly) who was team captain was injured for the championship.
