Waterford and Galway's meeting in round two of the Centra Camogie League on 28th February seems a world away now, ahead of their Centra Camogie Final clash this Sunday (12th April 2026).
Trudging off the field, possibly still recovering from jet-lag after a belated return from their team holiday in New York, the Tribe were left to lick their wounds after a second straight defeat.
With games away to Tipperary and high-flying Antrim still to come, along with the visit of Cork in the final round, the reigning All-Ireland champions suddenly found themselves worrying about the previously inconceivable notion of relegation.
Cathal Murray's charges had a mountain to climb. But recent weeks have seen them get back on track. They came through the two away assignments, but still needed a result at home to old foes Cork to secure their Division 1A status for 2027. Ultimately, the Westerners looked after their end of the bargain, with results elsewhere going their way, to secure what had appeared to be an unlikely final berth.
Coming out of Kenny Park six weeks ago, there was a pep in the Déise’s step. Heading back Suir-side with two wins over Cork and Galway, Michael Boland's charges were clearly the form team in Ireland. Further wins ensured they had their business done before the final round meeting with Tipperary.
It is the county’s first ever visit to a league final, and it is expected that the stands in UPMC Nowlan Park will be full of white-and-blue on Sunday afternoon.
The Munster side will be hoping to continue that wave of momentum.
Leading up to the game, Galway Bay FM's Tommy Devane has been chatting to Galway captain Carrie Dolan.
Galway vice-captain Aoife Donohue also shared her thoughts with Tommy.
Finally, Tommy caught up with the Galway senior manager Cathal Murray.
Former Galway player and manager Sharon Glynn scored 0-10 with Galway won their first ever National League in 1994, beating Tipperary 1-13 to 1-8. She joined up with Galway Bay FM's Darren Kelly to look back on that victory, and also to look ahead to Sunday's decider between Galway and Waterford.
Galway:
Sarah Healy; Rachael Hanniffy, Róisín Black, Dervla Higgins; Katie Manning, Ciara Hickey, Katie Anna Porter; Jennifer Hughes, Carrie Dolan (captain); Niamh Mallon, Niamh McPeake, Aoife Donohue; Shannon Corcoran, Mairéad Dillon, Aoibheann Barry.
Waterford:
Brianna O’Regan; Alannah McNulty, Keeley Corbett Barry, Vikki Falconer; Rachael Walsh, Clodagh Carroll, Ciara Sherlock; Orla Hickey, Lorraine Bray (captain); Eimear O’Neill, Beth Carton, Bevin Bowdren; Abby Flynn, Niamh Rockett, Laoise Forrest.
Throw-in at UPMC Nowlan Park on Sunday is 2.15pm and we'll have LIVE coverage here on Galway Bay FM.
