During the 32nd and 34th minutes of the game, Cork captain Amy O’Connor astonished the Waterford defense by scoring three goals, capping off an incredible performance. By halftime, with a lead of 1-9 to 0-3, it was clear that Cork’s athleticism was overpowering Waterford. However, Cork didn’t let up and continued to dominate the game. A record-breaking 30,191 crowd attended the camogie finals, witnessing O’Connor’s exceptional finishing skills. She scored a total of 3-7, including five frees and 10 shots on target.
The first goal was set up by Fiona Keating, who passed the ball to O’Connor in open space. The second goal was a result of a great team effort, initiated by Hannah Looney and finished by O’Connor. In a matter of minutes, O’Connor had completed her hat-trick, leaving Waterford no chance of a comeback. Cork’s relentless determination paid off when substitute Orla Cronin assisted Keating in scoring a fifth goal.
Waterford struggled to match Cork’s class and support for their key player, Beth Carton, was lacking. Carton managed to score 0-7 (5f) but couldn’t carry the team alone. Waterford missed a penalty just before halftime, further denting their chances. However, it’s unlikely that it would have made a difference given O’Connor’s outstanding performance.
Cork demonstrated their dominance throughout the game, with players like Looney, Mackey, and the half-backs Laura Treacy and Izzy O’Regan playing crucial roles. This victory is a testament to Cork’s resilience after two years of disappointment. Although the team has changed since their last championship win in 2018, they are now poised for a new era of success.
In contrast, Waterford must reflect on their performance and the gap between themselves and the elite level reached by Cork. They had limited scorers, with only three players contributing to their points tally. Niamh Rockett and Laoise Forrest managed to score consolation points, but it was clear that Waterford still has a long way to go.
Lineups:
Cork: A Lee; P Mackey, M Cahalane, L Coppinger; L Hayes, L Tracey, I O’Regan; A Healy, H Looney; C Sigerson, F Keating, S McCartan; A O’Connor, K Mackey, S McCarthy. Subs: C Healy, O Cronin, A Thompson, O Cahalane, M Murphy.
Waterford: B O’Regan; L Forrest, K Lynch, K Corbett-Barry; V Falconer, O Hickey, C Carroll; A Flynn, L Bray; M O’Brien, B Carton, M Power; A Fitzgerald, N Rockett, R Walsh. Subs: I Heffernan, B Bowdren, T Power, C Griffin, S Fitzgerald.
Referee: J Dermody (Westmeath)
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