Galway were 2-1 up 10 minutes later when captain Emma Glanville scored from a short corner.  The second half started with Galway in complete control and were 3-1up when Chris Rabbitte deflected a great through ball.  Galway slowed the pace a little and this let Corinthians back into the game and when they scored to make it 3-2, Galway immediately stepped up a gear and through their pace and quick passing up front scored two quick goals from Emma Johnson and Aoife Codyre.  Corinthians did not give up however and put the Galway under some pressure towards the end.  Ailbhe Nally in goals for Galway was called on to pull off some great saves in the dying minutes but with the clock running down, Corinthians finally broke through again to leave the final score at 5-3 to Galway.  

This was a very impressive performace for the Galway team and they now follow their clubmates into the quarter finals of an Irish Cup competition. Best for Galway on the day were Deirdre Hatton, Emma Glanville, Ruth O'Sullivan and Ailbhe Nally.  

Aisling is a member of Galway Hockey Club having come up through the ranks of the juniors and under age squads.  Before she finished secondary, she took up a whistle for the first time and her talents started to shine.  Aisling has gone on to umpire at all levels in Connacht and Ireland and internationally.  

Congratulations Aisling.  Everyone in Galway is very proud of you and wish you all the best in all your future internationals.  Next stop - the Olympics!!!!!!!

Galway 1st team started the weekend with a very successful 3-1 win over Victorians from Ulster in the third round of the Irish Hockey Trophy.  They continued on their winning ways when they won their second game of the weekend against NUIG with a 5-0 scoreline.  Galway 2nds, not to be outshone by their 1st team, also won their senior league game against Greenfields 2nds with a 2-0 scoreline.  And finally Galway's Under 14s had a very positive 0-0 draw with Greenfields Under 14s. 

Full match reports on the team's home pages.

Just a note to let you know that we received a thank you letter from "Sr. Claude".  As you already know, the bagpacking at Christmas was a great success.  Not only was it a club fundraiser, but it also went towards St. Claude's Christmas fund which helps families in need in Galway.  "...On behalf of the many families helped at Christmas - a very sincere 'thank you'.  May God continue to bless each of you with peace, love and sincerity.  Sr. Claude."

Thanks once again to all who helped out for those few days before Christmas especially, Rita, Ann, Clare and Nicola.  

Donal Dempsey, President. 

Training will not be cancelled because of rain.  If it’s raining, the call is yours to make.

Cookestown as expected started strongly and scored early and settled into their stride.  It took Galway time to get into the game following their long journey, however, Emma Johnson's goal before half time showed that Galway meant business and the second half was set up for a strong battle.  Galway dominated much of the second half with Cookestown struggling to get control and put out by Galway's determination and pace.  Emma scored Galway's second and when Tara Melvin scored a third the game looked over.  However, with 10 minutes remaining, Cookestown scored a second goal and set up a final nailbiting 10 minutes with Cookestown looking to equalise and Galway determined to keep their lead.  The final whistle was a welcome relief for all the Galway supporters that travelled with the team.

Yet another win for Galway.  The draw for the second round will take place on Monday.

Best of luck guys and enjoy yourselves!

Both sides started the match at a slow pace, both using the first 10 minutes to test for weaknesses in the opposition’s defence. The Galway defence found no difficulty in containing the Athlone attack with Sarah Johnson and Kate Benson sticking to their tasks very well. As soon as the match opened up after the early exchanges it was Galway’s midfield that came out on top. Slick passing and decisive movement from Ruth O Sullivan and Dee Hatton split the Athlone defence winning Galway a number of short corners. Galway were unable to beat the Athlone Keeper from these chances as she seemed determined not to concede. So it was a fantastic move from play that broke the deadlock, with Rebecca Dillon finding some space inside the circle and picking out the perfect pass to Aoife Codyre who neatly finished. This gave Galway the belief that they could beat this determined Athlone side. This confidence allowed Sarah Johnson to attack more freely up the right hand side, playing a fantastic ball into the circle she won Galway another short corner. From the short corner Emma Glanville played a neat ball to Hannah Gormley who’s first time shot saw the keeper save well but Rebecca Dillon was on hand to finish the rebound. Making it 2-nil at the break.

Galway came out to the second half to find a reinvigorated Athlone side to which they fell under instant pressure. But Athlone’s tactics of long balls from the back were no match for Hannah Gormley’s discipline in marking their dangerous center forward. Galway struggled to keep their passes flowing in the 2^nd half but Athlone failed to profit from this. Galway had to make a number of subs to steady the ship with Sadbh Gavin and Clare-Ann Irwin doing just that. Galway then concentrated on playing simple hockey again which worked wonders. Orna Cunningham’s cool composure found Grace O Malley in the circle with a delightful through ball, who in turn won a short corner. From this Ruth O Sullivan found Emma Glanville in space and with calmness under pressure found the back board with a neat finish. Galway continued to control the game not giving Athlone any chances to get a consolation goal.

So 3-nil it finished with another fantastic performance leaving Galway 2nds on top of the league for a 2^nd week in a row.