NIAMH Mallon admits Galway’s experience of the All-Ireland senior camogie quarter-finals last year made them intent on winning their group this year.
Galway topped Group 2 after claiming a 0-17 to 0-11 win over Waterford on Saturday at Kenny Park in Athenry. And that sealed their place in the last four — having failed to automatically qualify last year.
The Tribes lost to Cork in their group finale 12 months ago to set up a quarter-final with the Déise that they had to dig deep in before winning 1-12 to 1-9.
Mallon and Co eventually made the Croke Park final last year but were undone — again — by old foes Cork. But last year is forgotten about and the Maroon are back in the semi-final.
And Mallon — who is now looking forward to an extended spell of preparation — said: “We learned a lot from last year.
“We got turned over by Cork in the last group game this time last year and we had to go to Croke Park the following week and win a quarter-final.
“We wanted to try to avoid that this year. It was probably unspoken but it was something we probably wanted to do and thankfully we have. We have four weeks now of training to prepare for an All-Ireland semi-final.”
Classy forward Mallon slotted over four points in the six-point win over Waterford. And she was aided by skipper Carrie Dolan who also recorded nine points.
But it was a tight game that the Tribes only won late on with the teams level at 0-11 apiece with four minutes of normal time remaining.
And Dolan said: “We came here to get a result and we got it. We knew we had our work cut out for us. It was a draw coming down the home stretch but our girls pushed on and got the next few scores.”
Waterford’s first defeat of the campaign means they play Clare in the first of next weekend’s two quarter-finals.
The Déise will face the Banner at 2.30pm on Saturday at GAA HQ as part of a double-header with the All-Ireland SHC semi- final involving Cork and Dublin.
But Clare will need to improve having been blitzed by Tipperary in a 4-17 to 0-10 defeat at The Ragg.
The Premier will face Kilkenny in their last-eight clash at GAA HQ on Sunday at 1.30pm as a result of their win.
The tie will be the curtain-raiser to the All-Ireland SHC semi between the two counties.
And Tipp boss Denis Kelly will be delighted with how his side dismantled the Banner as they head into that clash. Mary Burke and Casey Hennessy shared the goals between them and Grace O’Brien registered eight points.
But neighbours Kilkenny will be expected to represent a stronger level of opposition.
Kelly said: “It was good to get a performance and a good score.”
TIPP TURNAROUND
And the Premier chief admits he is delighted with how his side bounced back from their humbling 3-21 to 1-9 loss to Cork last month.
He added: “We got a bit of a knock-back with Cork at the start but it was probably the best time to get it. We’ve been improving since so we’re happy enough with where we’re at.
“Kilkenny will be a big step-up again the next day but we’re looking forward to it.”
And with his county set to bring a big crowd to Croker for the hurling semi-final, Kelly hopes his team gets backed.
He added: “We haven’t had massive support this year with the way the Championship is condensed.
“There’s a lot of hurling and other games on, which take supporters out. But it’ll be different in Croke Park.”
Meanwhile, Amy O’Connor hit 3-5 as Cork beat Wexford 5-21 to 0-11 at Wexford Park. Saoirse McCarthy and Clodagh Finn also raised green flags for the Munster side.
Dublin also recorded their first win of the Championship over Derry to ensure their senior status.
Like O’Connor, Emma Flanagan was in hat-trick scoring form for the Sky Blues. Aisling Maher also clocked up 2-7 and Kerrie Finnegan helped herself to a brace of scores.
That added up to a 7-19 to 1-11 victory over a lifeless Oak Leaf at Parnell Park. Jackie Donnelly hit 1-2 for the Ulster side but they will now focus on playing Wexford in a straight fight to avoid relegation.
