Tipperary juniors safely into All Ireland quarter-final after strong win over Cavan

Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Junior Camogie Championship - Round 2

Tipperary 3-14

Cavan 1-9

Tipperary travelled to Kingspan Breffni Park on Saturday where they recorded a brilliant 11-point win over Cavan to top Group 1 of the premier junior championship. David Sullivan’s team now awaits this Saturday evening’s draw to see who they will face in either a quarter or semi-final.

Having lost to Cavan in last year’s group stages Saturday’s clash was predicted to be a tricky assignment. But a first-half hat-trick from in the form Jean Kelly meant Tipperary recorded a comfortable win over the home team. With only three minutes on the clock, the Annacarty star raised the first of her three green flags.

It was the perfect start for Tipp who were guilty of a sluggish start in their opening game against Wicklow. Cavan soon settled though thanks to two pointed frees from Clodagh Keenaghan to leave the score 1-2 to 0-2 after ten minutes.

But in the space of four minutes, Tipp were nine points ahead thanks to two more goals from Jean Kelly with Cavan having no answer to her attacking pace. With 17 minutes played Tipperary looked in a very strong position leading Cavan 3-2 to 0-2.

David Sullivan made five changes to his starting team from the Wicklow game including Rachel Maher who started wing back where she had a great game.

Aoife Mcloughney also came in from the start at corner forward and finished with four points, two each from frees and play.
Two more Clodagh Keenaghan pointed frees was followed by a well-worked Shanise Fitzsimmons goal in the 23rd minute to narrow Tipp’s lead.

At the break, two goals continued to separate the sides 3-5 to 1-5. In the second half, Tipperary continued to enjoy the better share of the spoils outscoring Cavan 0-9 to 0-4. The Tipp forward play was impressive and the scores seemed to come a bit easier while Cavan were reliant on pointed frees from the excellent free-taking of Clodagh Keeneghan.

Clodagh Horgan, Claire Stakelum, and Ellen Cunneen all registered points while Caroline Shanahan and Saoirse McGrath both pointed when introduced.

It was a very satisfying result for the management and players as they extend their unbeaten run to 6 matches across the league, the Munster championship and now two wins from two in the All-Ireland series. With all group games finished Tipperary, Armagh, and Clare will go into Saturday’s draw as group winners with Cavan, Limerick, and Roscommon group runners up.

Tipperary: Aoife O’Brien; Ciara Ryan, Aisling Sheedy, Lisa Cahill; Rachel Maher, Cinnait Walsh, Ciara McKeogh; Katie Fitzgerald, Ellen Cunneen (0-2); Claire Stakelum (0-1), Ciara Brennan, Aoife Dwyer; Jean Kelly (3-4) Clodagh Horgan (0-1), Aoife McLoughney (0-4, 0-2f)

Subs used: Caroline Shanahan (0-1); Saoirse McGrath (0-1); Eimear Myles; Nessa Murray; Eimear Murphy.

Referee: Jerome McAllister (Antrim)