Legacy-building on Cork minds after back-to-back titles

Two All-Ireland senior camogie titles in a row for Cork, and a first for Ger Manley as manager, having stepped into the vacancy left by last year's successful boss Matthew Twomey.

The former Rebel hurler had been involved as a coach the previous two seasons and the transition was seamless. His satisfaction at overseeing this success over Galway after a hugely entertaining game was obvious but it became evident too, that he didn’t want it to end here.

"What a game. Six extra minutes and I’m going, 'God!’" said Manley as he watched the celebrations unfold around him on the pitch.

They started well but Galway settled into the fray and it was the Tribeswomen that led at the break, 0-10 to 0-09, Aoife Donohue, Carrie Dolan and Ailish O’Reilly carrying the scoring load for Cathal Murray’s crew, while all of Cork’s six forwards were on the mark.

The champions streaked six clear by the 41st minute however, Katrina Mackey getting a goal that might have been chalked off on other days. The Douglas sharpshooter seemed to be fouled when attempting to strike to the net but failed to get the connection. The sliotar ambled over the line and a goal was awarded.

Mackey pulled a hamstring, having played really well at the end of her 16th straight championship campaign, but her replacement Sorcha McCartan would go on to make a pivotal contribution.

At six points ahead, it didn’t seem as if Cork would need that but Galway had heroes everywhere and Donohue brought her tally to four from play and Dolan to eight in total as they reeled the Leesiders in.

At level pegging, it was the westerners who had the energy but McCartan reinvigorated her side once more with a tremendous point. Fellow sub Clodagh Finn followed up and then set up McCartan to confirm