(Photo – Minor Winning Captain – Leanne Helebert)
The winning Galway minor and under 16 camogie teams will be presented with the All-Ireland winning medals in the Lough Rea Hotel & Spa next Saturday (6th January) at 8pm.
Lorraine Larkin’s minors defeated Clare comprehensively last April to win their first title in five years. And Tony O’Donovan’s under 16s created history in August when they beat Wexford to become Galway camogie’s first inter-county three-in-a-row side.
Galway Win All-Ireland Minor Camogie Title https://t.co/SHvlGSXgFi
— Galway Bay FM Sport (@gbfmsports) April 23, 2017
After losing out to Tipperary following a replay in 2016, Galway were strongly fancied to take their first minor title since 2012 and left nothing to chance in McDonagh Park, Nenagh when they ran out 4-14 to 0-6 winners over the Banner County.
Mairead Dillon struck Galway’s first goal on 14 minutes and led by 1-5 to 0-6 at half-time. But in the second half, the Tribesgirls took over as Ciara Helebert, Carrie Dolan and Sarah Spellman got further majors to ensure the maroon and white their third title at under 18 level.
Four months later, the conveyer belt of talent coming through continues to showcase their potential as Galway were crowned under 16 champions again (their fifth crown since 2009).
Galway Girls & Cousins, Shauna Duane(Minor) and Chloe Reilly (U-16), were both All Ireland Camogie Winners with Galway in 2017. pic.twitter.com/VUBLSI35wx
— @BanagherCollege (@BanagherCollege) October 24, 2017
Chloe Quinn Reilly scored two goals for the second consecutive year as Galway dealt with early pressure to run out comfortable 2-16 to 2-5 winners over Wexford in Kinnegad after getting the better of Cork in the semi-final.
Galway Under 16 Camogie Team Wins Third All-Ireland In A Row https://t.co/MZoSp7LbnN
— Galway Bay FM Sport (@gbfmsports) August 28, 2017
Larkin will be at the helm again when the minors commence the defence of their title on February 17th travelling to Kilkenny (a repeat of the 2016 under 16 final) before further outings against Wexford, Cork and Dublin.
O’Donovan has taken over Galway’s seniors who begin their league campaign away to reigning All-Ireland champions Cork on Sunday, 14th January. Gerry Dolan, after a successful stint with the under 14s, moves to the under 16 role and they’ll begin their championship defence in the summer.
All clubs are invited to join in Saturday’s celebrations as Galway camogie kicks off 2018. There will be a buffet and a DJ also and tickets can be obtained by contacting County Board officials or check through your club.
