Tipperary juniors were pipped by a pacy Clare side in Croke Park

The Tipperary junior camogie team represented their county with honesty and commitment all year and despite their best efforts they fell just short in the All-Ireland final last Sunday at Croke Park.

The team played a determined, clever and effective style all year and were in the game until the very last puck of the ball despite being a player down for most of the second half.

When they hit top form David Sullivan’s team played with a freedom and looked tuned in but a purple patch for Clare after half time came at the right time as they hit 2-2 with Tipperary held to a point during this part of the game.

Jean Kelly, Tipperary’s star player, had an honest duel with her namesake Rachel Kelly, who defended every ball and while Jean had an excellent game, she didn’t score as freely as in earlier games across the championship.

Despite losing a player in the second half Tipperary hurled until the last ball and were still looking for a goal to work their way back into the tie until the final whistle.

Closer to home Gaelic football took prime position in the county with the first round of the football championship taking place.
The big shock of the round was when the red-hot favourites Loughmore Castleiney fell by a point to a fantastic Moycarkey Borris performance.

The 2021 county champions ploughed into a strong first half lead but Moycarkey, showing great spirit and self belief, calmly worked their way back into the game.

Using the strong breeze to their advantage in the second half, the underdogs got closer and then, with six minutes left, Tipperary senior hurling goalkeeper Rhys Shelly turned the tide.

He was operating in the forwards for Moycarkey and connected on a long dropping ball, turning it into the net to put his side a point up on a 1-4 to 0-6 scoreline. His brother Kyle was also to the fore and later kicked the winning point.

In the same group last year’s county intermediate champions Ballina beat Ardfinnan with three goals coming from sharpshooter David Kelly.

Mid Tipperary teams won elsewhere, with Upperchurch and JK Brackens recording first round victories. The Church edged out Cahir in another close encounter as Luke Shanahan hit 1-3 to steer his side to the win despite some nervy moments against a Liam Casey inspired Cahir.

JK Brackens hit three goals to register a big win against Moyle Rovers while Ballyporeen were six point winners over Rockwell Rovers. County champions Clonmel Commercials were in action too and they faced a stern test against neighbours Kilsheelan Kilcash.

A young and skilful Kilsheelan side started fast and went in at half time 3-2 to 0-6 clear but once the favourites settled in they worked their way back into the game led by midfielder Jack Kennedy and All-Star winner Michael Quinlivan. Three second half goals for the town side ensured they survived a real challenge to win by a single point in the end.

Elsewhere on the sporting front the All-Ireland Poc Fada Finals took place over the weekend in the Cooley Mountains.
The county was well represented with Katie McCormack and Mary Ellen Holmes competing for their clubs, Tipperary and Munster.

Large numbers travelled from Tipperary to the Cooley Mountains where the weather held up well despite a strong wind.
Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams player Mary Ellen Holmes finished iamong the top placings overall in the U16 Poc Fada Competition.

Thurles Sarsfields stalwart Katie McCormack competed well and finished in fourth place overall in the All-Ireland Senior Poc Fada. 

 This coming weekend the action turns to the local hurling championship with a full round of fixtures taking place.