Tipperary get maiden U23 campaign off to losing start as strong Galway side prevail

Glen Dimplex All-Ireland U23 Camogie Championship - Round 1

Tipperary 0-8

Galway 0-15

Tipperary endured a disappointing start to their Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Under-23 Championship campaign on Saturday, falling to a 15-point to 8 defeat at the hands of Galway in Athenry.

READ NEXT: Tipperary U17 hurlers defeat Kilkenny with late goal to clinch Celtic Challenge final place

Galway made the most of the first-half wind advantage and dominated the early exchanges. Cora Kenny opened the scoring with a fine point, while Laura Kelly was exceptional from placed balls, and Niamh McInerney also chipped in as the Tribeswomen built an early lead.

Tipperary struggled to find their rhythm and had to wait until the 23rd minute for their first score, a well-taken point from an Aoife Dwyer free. 

Despite enjoying plenty of possession, Tipp were wasteful in attack - several wides and shots dropped into the goalkeeper’s hands meant they couldn't capitalise. At half-time, they trailed 0-8 to 0-2.

With the wind at their backs in the second half, hopes were high for a Tipperary revival, but it was Galway who struck first again, through Aoibhe Joyce. 

While Tipperary did improve after the break - Dwyer adding two frees and two points from play, and Danielle Ryan also getting on the scoreboard -  they were unable to string scores together consistently to threaten Galway’s lead.

Galway were clinical throughout, with Laura Kelly finishing with seven points from frees. Their bench also made a significant impact, with Aoibhe Joyce and Ava Bloomer each contributing points to keep Galway firmly in control.

Although Tipperary briefly narrowed the gap, they were unable to build the momentum needed to mount a serious comeback, and Galway finished as comfortable winners.

It was a flat performance from Tipperary, who will know there is far more in this team than what was shown in Athenry. They'll be hoping for a much-improved showing next weekend when they face Cork at 2pm in the first game of a doubleheader at the Tipperary County Camogie Grounds.

Tipperary: Aine Slattery; Lorna Ryan, Maria Connolly, Paula Quirke; Emma Kelly, Miriam Murphy, Ciara Gleeson; Lilly Fahie, Orla O’Brien; Celine Guinan, Kate Ferncombe, Aoife Dwyer (0-6, 0-4f); Grace Moloney, Danielle Ryan (0-2), Hannah Butler.

Subs used: Ciara Shelly, Aoife Fitzgerald, Anna Fahie.

Galway: Laura Freeney; Reitseal Kelly, Sarah Lyons, Emily Brogan; Katie Manning, Katie Anna Porter, Joanne Daly; Orla Mullins, Laura Kelly (0-7f); Niamh McInerney (0-3), Molly Mulryan, Ava Bloomer (0-1); Cora Kenny (0-2), Katie Gilchrist, Aoibheann Barry.

Subs used: Aoibhe Joyce (0-2).

READ NEXT: Familiar referee selected to officiate Tipp's U20 All-Ireland final clash with Kilkenny