Milford’s long unbeaten run in the AIB All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship was brought to an end in by Mullagh, who left MacDonagh Park in Nenagh with a 2-5 to 0-9 victory, and a place in the All-Ireland final against either Oulart-The Ballagh or Loughgiel Shamrocks.
The other semi-final was postponed due to snow and will now be played next Sunday.
This was expected to be a titanic tussle, with Milford looking to go all the way for the third year in succession. That was exactly what the teams provided supporters with.
Leona Monaghan got Mullagh off to a dream start with a goal after just 31 seconds but Milford responded in the manner one would expect of champions, with four points in a row from Anna Geary, Emer Watson (two) and Marie O’Neill to go in front.
Rachel Monaghan slotted a couple of points for Mullagh but with Watson adding another couple herself, Milford looked to be on their way at half time, as they led by 0-8 to 1-2
Remarkably though, they only managed one point in the second half, and that came five minutes into that period from the stick of Maria Watson. That opened the gap to four but it was all Mullagh in terms of the the scoring stakes from there until the end.
Rachel Monaghan struck for a goal four minutes later and then brought the teams level at the end of the third quarter.
The exchanges were fierce, with neither side willing to yield and it seemed like they would not be separated until Cathy Bowes pointed with four minutes left. Rachel Monaghan put two between the sides in extra time and that was enough to assure the Galway girls victory over the gallant Cork representatives.
