Tipp senior camogie team defeat reigning champions in opening league fixture of 2023

VERY National Camogie League - Division 1A - Round 1

Tipperary 4-9

Galway 1-9

Denis Kelly got his Tipperary managerial career off to a perfect start by beating league holders Galway’s in the Very Camogie League Division 1A in the County Camogie Grounds, The Ragg on Saturday last.

Galway were without some key regulars but this should not detract from Tipperary’s triumph who were the better side throughout and never allowed the visitors to get any sort of grip on the game.

Tipperary fielded a nice blend of youth and experience, welcoming back joint-captain Karen Kennedy, who missed out last year through injury but starting with a couple of Tipp legends, Cáit Devane and Mary Ryan on the bench.

Kennedy struck for a sensational solo goal in the fourth minute, running from deep and exchanging a one-two with Courtney Ryan before dispatching ruthlessly to the net.

Tipp played with assurance from there, six-point Eimear McGrath excelling as the hosts were able to keep a Galway team at bay that boasts ladies’ football and AFLW legend, Cora Staunton as their new performance coach.

Carrie Dolan did equalise fortuitously from the next attack, when her long-distance free awarded for a foul on Aoife Keane was held up by the wind and dropped into the net.

Tipp showed notable composure however and McGrath hit four points in succession, three from frees. Goals from Róisín Howard and Clonoulty Rossmore’s Courtney Ryan who worked very well in her new full-forward position put them in a commanding position at the break, leading by 3-6 to 1-3.

Galway did attempt to increase the pressure with the elements in their favour after the resumption, but though Dolan, who finished with 1-4, Niamh McPeake and Ailish O’Reilly split the posts, Cathal Murray’s side needed goals and instead, it was Tipp who raised another green flag via substitute Anna Fahie late on.

Tipperary’s four goals and the lively attacking nature of the front 6 certainly proved crucial but huge credit must go to the defence who defended brilliantly and snuffed out countless Galway attacks.

The full back line of Eimear Loughman, Clodagh Quirke and Julieanne Bourke were immense while on the wing Karin Blair enjoyed a great battle with Galways Aine Keane.

Alongside her Karen Kennedy and Mairead Eviston were always steady and composed while Teresa Ryan covered huge ground in midfield. This Saturday Tipperary travel to Parnell Park to take on Dublin at 2pm.

Tipperary: Caoimhe Bourke; Julieanne Bourke, Clodagh Quirke, Eimear Loughman; Karin Blair, Karen Kennedy (1-0), Mairead Eviston; Grace O’Brien, Eimear McGrath (0-6, 0-5f), Roisin Howard (1-0); Caoimhe Maher(0-2), C.Ryan (1-0), Eimear Heffernan.

Subs used: Ciara Brennan, Cait Devane (0-1), Anna Fahie (1-0), Grace Moloney, Niamh Treacy.

Galway: Fiona Ryan; Katie Anna Porter, Shauna Healy, Jennifer Hughes; Roisin Black, Emma Helebert, Siobhan Gardiner; Aoife Donohue, Rachael Hanniffy; Carrie Dolan (1-4, 1-3f), Niamh Hanniffy, Ciara Hickey; Aine Keane (0-1), Niamh McPeake (0-1), Ailish O’Reilly (0-3, 0-2f).

Referee: Andy Larkin (Cork)