Cork had to resist a determined Galway fightback in the final quarter of their All-Ireland Senior Camogie semi-final, but managed to do so successfully to claim their spot in the final for the 4th year in a row.
Cork looked to be running away with things early in the second half before Galway held them without a score for 28 minutes as they mounted their comeback, but in the end they hung on thanks largely to the defending of Rena Buckley, Chloe Sigerson and Ashling Thompson.
The final score was 2-09 to 1-09 in favour of Cork, but rather than celebrate at the final whistle Thompson headed straight for her opponent Aoife Donoghue to console them after what was a dramatic and draining semi-final.
The RTÉ cameras picked up her outstanding display of sportsmanship, and we're glad they did because this really is what it's all about.
She'd go thro you for ball but nice from @AshlingThompson aft @corkcamogie survive tough tussle w/ Galway to face @KilkennyCamogie in final pic.twitter.com/67O4v0ACF9
— cliona foley (@ponyyelof) August 19, 2017
Fair play to her, a credit to her county and her sport.
Her actions did not go unnoticed by those watching at home.
As
hling Thompson a complete class act on and off the pitch ??— Roisin Murphy (@RoisinMurphy__) August 19, 2017
Lovely sporting gesture from Ashling Thompson there at the final whistle comforting the Galway girl in defeat. Absolute lady. class. #gaa
— David Morrissey (@dweeter1983) August 19, 2017
You've got to love @AshlingThompson she gives it her all on the field and is a great example to other sport stars. #GalwayVCork
— Dylan Prendergast (@MrXathon) August 19, 2017
[photo credit: Sportsfile/HT: @ponyyelof on Twitter]
