Galway are National Camogie League Division 1A champions after finishing strongly to defeat Waterford by 0-13 to 0-11 in a gripping final at Nowlan Park.

In a contest that ebbed and flowed throughout, it was the All-Ireland champions who showed their experience in the closing stages, hitting the final three points of the game to seal victory.

Waterford, appearing in their first-ever Division 1A league final, pushed Galway all the way but were left to rue missed chances late on as the Tribeswomen’s defence stood firm under pressure.

The sides were level at 0-07 apiece at half-time after an evenly contested opening period. Beth Carton and Niamh Rockett were among the scorers for the Déise, while Carrie Dolan kept Galway ticking over with a series of well-taken frees.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with neither side able to build a decisive lead. Mairead O’Brien impressed for Waterford, weighing in with important scores, while Lorraine Bray led from the front throughout.

Galway, however, consistently found responses, with Dolan finishing the game with eight points, including two from play, to prove the difference between the sides.

As the game entered the closing stages, the teams were deadlocked at 0-11 each, and a replay looked like a real possibility.

But Galway found another gear when it mattered most.

Dolan edged them in front with a crucial score before substitute Caoimhe Kelly added a vital point to stretch the lead. Waterford pushed hard for a late equaliser, sending balls into the Galway defence, but the Connacht side dealt with everything that came their way.

Despite a brave and historic performance from Waterford, it was Galway who finished strongest to claim their eighth league title, and a third of the decade, adding the crown to last year’s All-Ireland success.

For Waterford, while disappointment will linger, this marks another significant step forward, with plenty of positives to take into the championship campaign ahead.

Today’s game was brought to you by Sun Life…….Life’s brighter under the sun.