Disappointment for two Tipperary teams in Munster semi-final action last weekend

Munster U16A Camogie Championship Semi-Final

Tipperary 2-7

Cork 3-8

After several changes due to weather and pitch conditions, the Munster U16A semi-final between Tipperary and Cork finally took place on Sunday evening at the superb facilities of Fethard Town Park. 

Played under the lights on the astroturf, this eagerly awaited clash didn’t disappoint. Despite a spirited second-half comeback from Tipperary, Cork held firm to secure a four-point victory on a scoreline of 3-8 to 2-7.

Cork had the advantage of a strong wind in the opening half, but it was Tipperary who opened the scoring with a superb free from their star player, Grace Cleary. Rachel Morrison followed up with a fine point, keeping the Tipp defence under pressure early on. Cork, then took the lead thanks to Leah Ryan. 

An evenly contested first quarter saw Cleary restore Tipperary’s lead with a second free after 18 minutes. Despite the low scoring, the ball was up and down the pitch in a fast-paced opening half. 

Cork began to dominate as the half wore on. Points from Lea Melliouin and Stephanie Dwyer gave them the lead, and in injury time, Rachel Morrison struck a crucial blow for Cork, finding the back of the net with the last puck of the half. At the interval, Cork held a commanding six-point lead, 1-5 to 0-2, but Tipperary had the wind advantage to come.

However, Tipperary’s hopes were dented immediately after the restart. Cork struck for two quick goals inside three minutes, with Rachel Morrison netting her second and Meadbh Fitzgerald adding another after a scramble in the goalmouth. 

Facing an uphill battle, Tipperary responded through the ever-reliable Grace Cleary, who converted two frees in quick succession.

Cork introduced Lexi Manley, who took over free-taking duties and traded scores with Cleary as both sides battled for dominance. 

Tipperary began to rally, with Alice Butler landing a point before Cleary, now operating closer to goal, struck for a well-taken goal following excellent work from Neasa Dwan, who put in a tireless performance throughout the game.

As the game entered its final stages, Tipperary found themselves six points behind but refused to give in. 

A 21-yard free was buried in the net by Cleary with a thunderous shot, reducing the deficit to three points. Another Cleary free left just two points between the sides, but Cork’s Lexi Manley steadied her team with two late converted frees, ensuring victory for the Rebel County.

The final whistle saw Cork emerge victorious, 3-8 to 2-7. Tipperary will rue the concession of three goals at critical moments, but they can take pride in their strong finish and the valuable experience gained against a high-quality Cork side.  

Scorers: Tipperary: Grace Cleary (2-6, 1-6f), Alice Butler (0-1).

Cork: Rachel Morrison 2-1, Meadbh Fitzgerald 1-0, Leah Ryan 0-1, Lexi Manley 0-3f, Lea Melliouin 0-2f, Stephanie Dwyer 0-1.

Tipperary: Faye Ahern; Brid Delaney, Rosie O'Brien, Ava Fanning; Evanne Gleeson, Carley Walsh, Jessie Shanahan; Neasa Dwan, Brid Woodlock; Amy Cahill, Grace Cleary, Emily McGrath; Lucy Rabbitte, Alice Butler, Leah Hickey. 

Subs used: Cailin Kennedy for Emily McGrath (27); Amy O’Connor for Leah Hickey (27); Sophie Moynihan for Emily McGrath (45).

Cork: Eve O'Donoghue; Madeline Keane, Aisling Coleman, Rachel Jones; Ciara Hayes, Grace O'Connell, Ciara Roche; Sophie Gunn, Sarah Kelleher; Orla Troy, Leah Ryan, Lea Melliouin; Meadbh Fitzgerald, Rachel Morrison, Stephanie Dwyer. 

Subs used: Amber Bishop for Sarah Kelleher (20); Lexi Manley (HT); Cliona Harte for Sophie Gunn (39); Robyn O’Mahony for Rachel Jones (58).

Referee: Daniel O’Donnel (Limerick)