Tipperary ladies footballers make welcome return to winning ways in Monaghan

Lidl Ladies National Football League Division 2 Round 5

Tipperary 1-11 Monaghan 0-7 

Tipperary’s ladies footballers travelled to Magheracloone to take on Monaghan in round 5 of Division 2 of the league last Sunday, and recovered from their defeat to Laois previous week by beating Monaghan on a scoreline  of 1-11 to 0-7.

With the scores level at half-time after Tipperary had played with a strong wind in the opening half, an away win looked unlikely. However, a brilliant second half performance by Tipp secured a valuable win.

This win means qualification for the league final is still within their grasp, after four victories in the opening four games.

Tipperary now play both Tyrone (on March 19) and Armagh (on March 26) at home over the coming weeks. A win in both games will see Tipperary qualify for the final.

Tipperary played with a strong wind in the first half in Monaghan. The opening score came from Aishling Moloney with a point from play. Monaghan replied with two quick points from Chloe McBride and Laura Walsh.

Angela McGuigan equalised for Tipp with a clever point from play, after some great, patient build-up play. A great forward move saw Monaghan ‘keeper Orna Kelly produce a great save from Tipp wing forward Emma Morrissey.

Monaghan edged ahead with a point from Lauren Garland. Tipp replied with a brace of points from Aishling Moloney to take the lead by a point. Monaghan equalised with a point from Amy Garland. 

Tipperary’s last score of the half came from a brilliant run by Niamh Martin through the Monaghan defence. Monaghan levelled just before half-time, which meant both teams headed to the dressing rooms at five points apiece.

The second half started with a fisted point from Maire Creedon to give Tipp the lead again. Jodie McQuillan equalised for Monaghan with a free from 40 metres. The close nature of the game continued, with Aishling Moloney and Lauren Garland swapping points after seven minutes of the second half. Amazingly, this was Monaghan’s last score of the game. 

With resolute defending and the team starting to dominate around the middle of the field, Tipperary’s Emma Morrissey was again unfortunate not to score a goal after her cracking shot hit the crossbar.

With fifteen minutes left, Aishling Moloney’s free pushed Tipp ahead again. This was a lead that they wouldn’t relinquish. 

This point was followed by the deciding score of the game, a well-taken goal from Clara English to give Peter Creedon’s side a four-point lead.

Tipperary were now putting huge pressure on the Monaghan kickout and three frees in a row by Aishling Moloney secured a seven-point win.

There was no doubt that the second half display was Tipperary’s best performance this year. Playing against the strong wind and without the influential Anna Rose Kennedy, who missed the game through injury, Tipperary dug deep in the second half.

While a win looked in doubt at half-time, Tipperary showed great energy in their play in the second half to secure a well-deserved victory. 

Another big game awaits Tipperary on Sunday March 19 against Tyrone in the excellent Fethard Town Park facility. Hopefully, there will be plenty of support for this Tipp team, as they continue their campaign to qualify for the league final.

Tipp scorers: Aishling Moloney (0-8, 6 frees), Clara English (1-0), Niamh Martin, Angela McGuigan, Marie Creedon (0-1 each).

Monaghan scorers: Lauren Garland (0-2), Chloe Mc Bride (0-2 frees), Amy Garland (0-1), Jodie McQuillan (0-1 free), Laura Walsh (0-1).

Tipperary: Lauren Fitzpatrick, Cliona O’Dwyer, Maria Curley, Emma Cronin, Sarah English, Lucy Spillane, Nora Martin, Neasa Towey, Niamh Martin, Emma Morrissey, Aishling Moloney, Clara English, Marie Creedon, Angela McGuigan, Ava Fennessy. 

Subs: Elaine Kelly for Nora Martin, Roseanna Kiely for Angela McGuigan, Aine Delaney for Marie Creedon, Eabha Hogan for Clara English.