Seven in a row National Camogie League champions Cork got off to a fine start yesterday overcoming All-Ireland finalists Kilkenny 2-10 to 1-05 in James Stephens Park. Cork's Caoimhe Harrington, fresh from Ashbourne duty with UCD was the hero with two well taken goals in the fifth minute and again two and a half minutes into the second period.
Elsewhere in Division 1 All-Ireland Foras na Gaeilge champions Tipperary went down to Galway in front of their home crowd 1-10 to 2-04 after a very close and exciting encounter, which saw the westerners lead by a solitary point at the break 0-06 to 1-02, the Tipperary goal coming from Billy Morgan's niece Emer Mc Donnell. The second half saw an opening goal from Galway's Breeda Kerins to put them further ahead. However, Tipp's sharp shooter Noelle Kennedy replied almost immediately with another goal to leave the sides Galway 1-06 to Tipperary's 1-02. Further points from Therese Maher and Sharon Glynn secured victory for the Westerners. Also in Division 1, Dublin gained their first National League points with a win over Down 1-05 to 0-04 in rain sodden Naomh Mearnog.
Divisin 2 saw Louth make a welcome return to the intercounty scene after a lapse of twelve years when they entertained Waterford in O'Rallaghaigh's GFC in Drogheda. Leading at the break 0-02 to 0-01, Louth were rewarded with a goal midway through the game from Yvonne Quigley and lead 1-02 to 0-02 until Waterford's Kate Marie Ahearne equalised with a goal late in injury time.
Elsewhere in Division 2 Kildare had an easy 6-02 to 2-03 win over Carlow, while Galway's Division 2 side accounted for Tipperary as did Dublin who accounted for Down 2-02 to 0-0. Lizzie Glennon secured victory for Roscommon with a hat- trick of goals when they secured victory over Meath 3- 05 to 1-03.
Next Sunday will again see a full National League calendar with top of the bill All-Ireland Foras na Gaeilge champions Tipperary hosting the All-Ireland finalists Kilkenny in what is a repeat of the All- Ireland final. Saturday will be a busy day for the Post primary schools with the Junior All-Ireland semi-finals going ahead. Renowned camogie school St.Mary's Charleville entertain St.Marys Magherafelt in Feenagh at 11:30am while the second Junior 'A' semi-final will see Enniscorthy's Colaiste Bride host the Connacht champions Portumna Community College at 2:00pm. The Junior'B' All-Ireland semi-final will see newcomers Loreto Fermoy host the Antrim side, Cross & Passion of Ballycastle in Fermoy at 11:30pm again on the Saturday.
Filed by Johnny Proby
