Despite the heavy traffic due to roadworks in Fairview, Mags D’Arcy skillfully navigated through, arriving at Parnell Park ahead of time. Her timely arrival was a nod to her legendary quick reflexes as a former Wexford goalkeeper.
On Saturday, Dublin took on Wexford in the Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship. D’Arcy, an All-Star and former All-Ireland winner with the famed Slaney team, currently serves as Dublin’s goalkeeping coach.
Dublin dominates, Cork clash looms
As game day three of Group 2 arrives, the competition heats up with teams fighting for a spot in the quarter-finals. This tough group includes big names like Cork and Galway. Fans looked forward to the Dublin and Wexford clash, recalling their exciting matches earlier this season.
John Dermody, the referee, had just finished the Belfast Marathon. The atmosphere was energetic, especially after Ireland’s Mixed Relay team won European gold – their first win since the Cobh Ramblers’ victory. The news from Westmeath was exciting, fueling cheers everywhere.
At the final whistle, Mary O’Connell didn’t stay long. She had another key event at Croke Park. Mary is a medalist in the Dublin Senior Football Championship with Marino and a standout dual player with Na Fianna.
She also managed the Na Fianna team to a Division 1 National Feile Hurling championship. Her sons, Seán and Colin Currie, aren’t just hurling stars for Dublin; they’re also skilled cricketers for Clontarf, having represented both Leinster and Ireland.
The live-streamed match showed that Ciara O’Connor was out due to injury. This was a big loss for Wexford, as she had played very well in previous games against Dublin. Despite this, Wexford was in good spirits after a recent tie with Galway, thanks to Anais Curran’s late free.
Wexford had an early chance with a penalty, but Anais Curran’s shot hit the bar. Chloe Foxe scored a goal for Wexford in the first minute, but Dublin took over and won 4-13 to 1-10.
Many were surprised by how much Dublin won. Coach Bill McCormack praised his team’s hard work, noting their focus as they prepare to face Cork and Down. He acknowledged the tough task ahead against Cork, the current All-Ireland champions, but stayed hopeful about his team’s chances despite injuries like Aisling O’Neill’s hamstring problem from their game against Galway.
Dublin showed their scoring skills brilliantly. In the 12th minute, Elyse Jamieson Murphy scored the first goal with an accurate shot. Right before halftime, full-forward Emma Flanagan added another goal with a well-aimed strike, putting Dublin ahead 2-7 to 1-5.
Just seconds into the second half, Claire Gannon scored a great point that helped her win Player of the Match. Grace O’Neill, known as the “Ballinteer Bolt,” added a third goal with speed and skill. Aisling Gannon then scored Dublin’s fourth goal, solidifying their lead.
In the final seconds, Dublin scored an unforgettable point. Kerrie Finnegan made an amazing catch, much like the famous Currie brothers. She passed it to Áine Rafter, who then quickly handed it off to Sinéad Wylde. From close to Clontarf Golf Club, Wylde took a championship-worthy shot.
Takeaway
Dublin fans are thrilled with this surprising win, but the next challenge is tough. Cork, the current All-Ireland champions, are up next and they are very strong. However, Dublin has shown it can handle tough challenges.
The next match promises to be exciting as Dublin, full of confidence, gets ready to face stronger opponents. The team needs to keep their momentum, refine their strategies, and avoid errors against a tough team like Cork.
Dublin’s win against Wexford gave the team a huge morale boost. But they can’t stop now. Everyone, from fans to players, is excited and ready for the next big match.
