REPORT
By Grainne Hogan Dublin's PRO Og
Full Time Score: Waterford 0.12 v Dublin 1.11
Dublin met with Waterford today at Walsh Park for their first match of the Glen Dimplex All Ireland Camogie Championship. It was set to be an even game as the Dubs relegated Waterford , but Waterford knocked them out of championship last year. The championship is each teams focal point and a win today would set them up nicely for the remainder of the 5 guaranteed championship games. Waterford had the advantage of the home support. There was a good crowd in the stands and a real championship atmosphere in the park, with the bonus of a dry and sunny day.
The first half was action packed, with a point from Waterford forward Beth Carton in the first 30 seconds, shortly followed by Aisling Maher’s first of many scores for the girls in blue. Dublin displayed great talent, consistently turning over Waterford’s puckouts. A stand out piece of play was a smooth point from Dublin No. 11 Niamh Gannon, who caught a long puckout from Eabha Mooney, turned and put the sliotar straight over the bar. There was consistant scoring from each side, credit is due in particular to Orla Gray, captain Hannah Hegarty, Emma O’Byrne and Roisin Baker for working the ball up to their forwards time and time again. However, due to some easy frees given by the Dublin defence, Waterford constantly equalised the game with points. The teams were level a total of 7 times within the first half. The turning point of the match came after a near goal from Aisling Gannon, whose arm was pulled back by a Waterford defender, resulting in a penalty for Dublin. The reliable Aisling Maher scored the penalty against All Star nominated keeper Brianna O Regan, giving her side the leg up. After the penalty both teams put another point on the board, bringing the halftime score to Waterford 0-8 to Dublin 1-8.
The second half was slower and much lower scoring in comparison to the previous. The center of the pitch was very crowded as each team applied the pressure, Orla Grey was not letting Waterford have any free chances and Leah Butler was winning the high ball. A converted free from each team, Beth Carton for Waterford and Aisling Maher for the Dubs kept it at a 3 point game for some time. As fresh legs were brought on during the last quarter, the home team slotted another 2 between the posts to equalise the teams for the eighth time. A ball sent across and into Aisling Maher from Ali Twomey would be what pushed Dublin back into the lead. Maher was fouled at the 20m line and took her free, which was awarded after some debate. A final point from Aisling O’Neill widened the gap and sealed the victory for Adrian O’Sullivan’s team. The girls in blue were deserving winners after some tough battling against a formidable Waterford side.
Dublin's Aisling Maher was awarded Player of the match