Tipperary Under 17 camogie team reaches All-Ireland final with superb performance

Tipperary 1-12 Galway 2-7

The Tipperary Under 17 camogie team produced another outstanding performance to book their place in the All-Ireland Development Series Final, edging past Galway by two points in a tense semi-final clash at the Tipperary Camogie Grounds.

With the sides level at 1-10 to 2-7 in the 54th minute, following a superb point from Galway danger woman Ciara Costello, the tie looked destined for extra time.

However, Tipperary’s Aoibhinn Maher showed nerves of steel, landing two crucial frees in the 58th and 59th minutes to seal a well-deserved two-point victory.

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Galway started brightly and looked threatening in the opening stages, with full forward Nina McKeown finding the back of the net after just four minutes.

Tipperary responded in style, with the ever-reliable Emma Bonnar splitting the posts before Eavann Duffy added another point. The Premier County then took the lead in the sixth minute when Michelle Lee finished smartly to raise a green flag.

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Galway kept in touch through an Ava Morley free, but Maher responded at the other end with a placed ball.

Galway’s second goal came through Ciara Costello, who was a constant threat up front. Yet Tipperary finished the half the stronger, with a superb score from full forward Michelle Lee ensuring a narrow 1-7 to 2-3 advantage at the break.

The second half was a lively and hard-fought affair, with both defences impressive.

Tipperary’s backline stood firm, with Kellie O’Dwyer and Ciara Crofton particularly impressive in stemming the Galway attack. Emma Bonnar added a fourth point to her tally, while Faye Lavin slotted over two excellent frees to keep the scoreboard ticking over for the home side.

Galway kept the pressure on with two second half points from Ciara Costello and another free from Morley, but Tipperary’s resilience and composure under pressure proved decisive. With the game hanging in the balance, Aoibhinn Maher stepped up to land two late frees that ultimately settled the contest.

This was another brilliant team performance from Tipperary, built on pace, workrate and commitment across the pitch. With their place in the All-Ireland final now secured, the focus turns to delivering one more big performance in two weeks’ time.

Tipperary panel: Ellen Ryan, Ruth Maher, Kate Nevin, Malwina Dziewiatka, Abi Kelly, Kellie O’Dwyer, Emily McGrath, Eavann Duffy(0-1), Emma Kiely, Aoibhín Maher (0-3 frees), Emma Bonnar (0-4), Torrie Doyle (0-1), Kaelinn Rossiter, Michelle Lee (1-1), Eimear Duggan, Meabh Leahy, Ciara Crofton, Grace Stapleton, Eibhlin Bourke, Orla Gleeson, Sarah O’Dwyer, Ella Frend, Niamh Manton, Faye Lavin (0-2 frees).

Galway panel: Jessica McGlynn, Emma Costello, Tara Geraghty, Zara Spellman, Meadbh Nic Con Iomaire, Katie Murray, Kate Kennedy, Emily Corcoran, Orlaith Kelly, Clodagh Breheny, Ava Morley (0-2, 1 free), Katie O’Connor, Caoimhe Caulfield, Nina McKeown (1-0), Ciara Costello (1-3), Christine Gately, Ciara Bergin, Niamh Ní Threasaigh, Amelia Hardiman, Anna Liston, Caoilinn Corban, Kate Dunleavy, Aoife Jordan, Alva Burke, Mary O’Grady, Ciara Mullins, Lauren Boyle, Katie McGhee, Emily Banks, Clodagh Jordan, Keira Mernagh, Saoirse Cahill, Éile Cronin.