Camogie League round-up: Cork trounce Dublin as holders Galway stumble against Tipp

Galway's defence of their Very Camogie League Division 1A title got off to a bad start as they were beaten 4-09 to 1-09 by Tipperary at The Ragg on a day when last year’s runners-up Cork trounced Dublin by 3-17 to 0-05 at MTU Cork.

The champions are certainly a side in transition, with the likes of Sarah Dervan and Niamh Kilkenny among the notable absentees.

Shauna Healy has taken over the captaincy from Dervan and is filling the number three jersey in place of the two-time All-Ireland-winning skipper, with a number of other regulars missing for the league at least.

They include Sarah Healy and Catherine Finnerty, who are both travelling, while Orlaith McGrath, Rebecca Hennelly and Ciara Donohue are all still recovering from cruciate injuries. Maria Cooney, Sarah Spellman and Siobhan McGrath, All-Ireland victors with Sarsfields, are rehabbing other injuries.

Denis Kelly should not allow any of that to detract from his team’s triumph though in his first competitive outing having been tasked with carrying on the tremendous progress carried out under Bill Mullaney.

The initial signs are good as he fielded a nice blend of youth and experience, welcoming back joint-captain Karen Kennedy, who missed out last year through injury, but starting with a couple of Tipp legends, Cáit Devane and Mary Ryan, on the bench.

Kennedy struck for a sensational solo goal in the fourth minute, running from deep and exchanging a one-two with Courtney Ryan before dispatching ruthlessly to the net.

Tipp played with assurance from there, six-point Eimear McGrath excelling as the hosts were able to keep a Galway team at bay that boasts ladies’ football and AFLW legend Cora Staunton as their new performance coach.

Carrie Dolan did equalise fortuitously from