ALL IRELAND U16A CAMPIONSHIP SEMIFINAL
TIPPERARY 4.12 CORK 3.08
In a thrilling semifinal in Kilmallock defending champions Tipperary beat Cork to set up a repeat of last years final against Galway who defeated Wexford in the other semifinal.
Tipperary, playing with a strong breeze were quick of the mark and Cloe Kirwan had the ball in the net after a strong run in just 30 seconds of play. Tipperary’s Grace O’Brien pointed a free and Cork replied with their first and only point of the first half as Tipperary started to exert huge pressure on the Cork defence. Sinead Meagher scored a great point from a narrow angle whilst Grace O’Brien, who was very accurate with all her frees increased Tipperary’s lead, Sinead Buckley who was having a very good game hit the Cork post and Cork managed to clear the ball.
Tipperary were well on top and any Cork attack was well handled by Tipperary’s defence with captain Karen kennedy in imperious form. In the 22nd minute a great run from midfield saw Caiomhe Condon point for Tipperary then a mazy run from keely Lenihan ended with a fine goal into the Cork net. Tipperary were well in control and two more frees from Grace O’Brien increased their lead. Just before half-time on a rare Cork attack a high ball was not dealt with and ended up in the Tipperary net then on the stoke of half time a huge free from Tipperary goalie Caoimhe Bourke sailed over the bar to give Tipperary a 2.09 to 1.01 lead at half-time.
With the wind at their backs Cork attacked Tipperary and scored four points in the first 10 minutes with Grace O’Brien replying for Tipperary. Cork were dominating play for long periods but Tipperary’s Defence held strong with Emer Loughman having a great game. Tipperary were having chances but Corks defence were blocking well but with the wind favouring Cork they racked up four unanswered points to leave only two points difference with Five minutes to go.
Tipperary put in a great finish with Ciardha Maher scoring a tremendous point to ease the pressure then Orla O’Dwyer ran through the Cork defence to goal for Tipperary Cork replied immediately with a goal by their star player Keeva McCarthy but in a flurry of activity Tipperary’s Orla O’Dwyer scored her second goal and followed it with great point to put the match beyond Cork who managed a consolation goal to leave the final score Tipperary 4.12 Cork 3.8.
Tipperary scorers O O’Dwyer 2.3, K Lenihan 1g, C Kirwan 1g, G O’Brien 5(F), S.Meagher 1pt, C.Condon 1pt, C Maher 1pt, C.Bourke 1pt
U14 DEVELOPMENT TEAM
Our U14 s travelled to Kilkenny on Sunday to compete in the Kilkenny inter-county blitz and ran out winners. Congratulations to all the girls and mentors
