Tipperary on the verge of league final place with third win on the bounce

VERY National Camogie League - Division 2B - Round 3

Tipperary 0-10

Galway 0-6

By Michael Dundon

A third win on the trot has Tipperary juniors on the verge of clinching a place in the VERY league final following their hard-fought victory over Galway at the County Camogie Ground at the Ragg on Saturday last.

This was a big game for both counties. Each had two wins from three games, both losing to Cork, with the Tipp wins coming against Clare and Wexford. Next up for Tipp is an away fixture against Kilkenny and while the victory over Galway puts them in the driving seat for a spot in the final, a draw at least against Kilkenny is needed to secure that league-final spot.

On a bitterly cold afternoon, sleety rain and a chilling wind made matters difficult for both teams. It was not conducive to quality play but the commitment of both squads was of the highest order and made for an absorbing contest in which scores were at a premium.

The elements favoured Tipperary in the first half and with Jenny Grace very accurate off frees, they went 0-4 to no score ahead after fifteen minutes, Burgess’ Grace notching three and Anna Fahey from Cashel the fourth.

Aoibheann Barry had Galway’s first point from an 18th-minute free and she also scored their second in the 26th minute but Tipperary were 0-7 to 0-2 ahead at half-time, Jenny Grace, Jill-Anne Quirke (Toomevara) and Gemma Fox (Eire Og Anacarty)  all hitting the target.

Given the conditions, a five-point lead was a decent advantage facing into the second half but it could have been more had Tipp not failed to convert two very good goal chances during the half. The expected Galway push saw Aoibheann Barry point for them in the 34th minute. Jenny Grace restored Ti[pp’s interval advantage five minutes later. 

Tipp were containing the Galway attack well but in eight minutes from the 47th to the 55th minutes, Galway landed three points without reply to be just two behind(0-6 to 0-8) with five minutes to play. Tipp's backs were to the wall but the excellence of their defence limited Galway’s opportunities and in the 59th minute Jenny Grace pointed a free to ease the pressure. She added another in injury time to put the tie beyond Galway’s reach.

Tipp manager Bill Mullanney missed the game due to a family bereavement but his backroom team did an excellent job of getting over a very difficult hurdle and hopefully will also see off the Kilkenny challenge to reach the final. Jenny Grace’s striking from frees was crucial to the Tipp win, particularly since Galway passed up a few chances from placed balls that could have made a difference. 

Gemma Fox and Laura Shinners (Kilruane MacDonaghs) were key figures in a very solid defence while Ciara Brennan (St Cillian’s) had a fine outing at midfield. Goalkeeper Laura Lenane of Shannon Rovers handled confidently on a difficult day for goalkeepers.

After Grace, Jill-Anne Quirke was the most prominent of the Tipp attack but all around all the girls worked their socks off to get Tipp over the line in a finely balanced encounter.

Galway must win their remaining game against Wexford to have a chance of qualifying for the final. They defeated Clare and Kilkenny in their earlier games and have a strong team ably led by such as Ria McPhilibin, Leana Nic Donncha, Kayla Madden and Aoibheann Barry and will also be a force to be reckoned with in the championship.

Tipperary: Laura Leenane; Lorna Ryan, Miriam Murphy, Tara Hoare; Laura Shinners, Gemma Fox (0-1), Lily Fahey; Caroline Shanahan, Ciara Brennan; Jenny Grace (0-7,0-6f), Jill Anne Quirke (0-1), Orla O’Brien; Annie Fahey (0-1), Amy Quinlisk, Emma Flanagan. 

Subs used: Ciara Ryan for L Ryan (HT); Maria Connolly for Hoare (HT); Saoirse McGrarth for Quinlisk (40); Eva O’Dwyer for Flanagan (57).

Galway: Caoimhe Hickey; Siofra Kelly, Sarah Lyons, Reisteal Kelly; Chloe Allen, Ria McPhilibin, Joanne Daly; Leah Burke, Leana Nic Dhonncha; Katie Donohoe, Kayla Madden, Ciara Dolan; Ava Lynskey (0-1), Aoibheann Barry (0-5f), Aoife Kelly.

Subs used: Grainne O’Neill for A Kelly (21); Pearl Finnerty for Allen (27); Niamh Spellman for Dolan (46); Clodagh O’Meara for Donohue (46).

Referee: Shane Foley (Carlow)