Clare are Munster U16 champions

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U16A Munster Camogie Final
Clare 4-7 v 2-10 Tipperary
 
A thriller was expected and what these two young teams delivered on the night was nothing less.  Tipperary led at the break 1-8 to 1-3.  This may lead to think of a Tipperary dominated first half, but the Premier didn’t have it all their own way.  Clare were the first of the mark and with a free from captain Chloe Morey answered by her opposing captain Nichole Walsh the sides were level. 

The game was fast and furious though and after great work from Niki Kaiser and Vera Loughnane the ball fell to Susan Fahy at full forward the Banner were a goal up.  Morey added to this again with a fine point from play after Niamh O’Dea magnificently fielded a high ball and laid it into her centre forward and Clare look very well. 

The Tipperary half back line stepped up though and Aisling Carroll and Maireßd Barry with their strong physical presence and hurling ability and fielding to boot held the Clare onslaught.  Indeed they set up many attacks from this launching pad and this lead to points from Walsh again from a free and Brid Quinn, Aoife Ryan and Clare Kennedy.  This had the sides level mid way through the half.

Tipperary were opening up the Clare defence with ease and made the most of this when Sarah Fryday goaled to give a three point cushion.  Nichole Walsh, clinical from the spot all night, added a brace of frees and Tipperary were pulling away nicely.  Walsh was giving the Clare forwards much trouble with her pace and the ability of the Tipperary forwards to pick each other out. 

Morey had a free for Clare but this was cancelled out by a similar score from Walsh just before the break to leave a five point gap.  Tipperay were in control in most sectors and Clare would be thankful of the presence of Mßire McGrath at full back for not being further behind, she stood firm to the Tipperary challenge.

The second half was a bruising 30 minutes for both sides as they gave it their all.  Clare had the gap reduced to a goal after Morey had converted a 45 and a free within the opening 2 minutes.  Indeed the sides were level again within five after Niki Kaiser goaled for the Banner.  Clare were now beginning to win the mid-field battle and getting the supply of ball through, it was this possession the inside forward line were starved of in the first half. 

This became evident when substitute Sinead Tuohy goaled from a Kaiser line ball which was sent across the goal from Vera Loughnane.  Walsh answered the call and converted a free for the premier and followed up with a goal by the tenth minute.  This has Tipperary to the fore by the minimum again as scores were coming fast and furious. 

Morey again levelled matters with a free before Susan Fahy got her second in the 16th minute and Clare were a goal to the good again.  Morey then put over a magnificant score when she pointed from half way before Suzie O’Shea was called upon in the Clare goal to save from Walsh who convered the resulting ’45.

Clare: Suzie O’Shea, Caroline Feehily, Mßire McGrath, Niamh Cahill, Helen Hehir, Christina Glynn, Laura McMahon, Ellen Horgan, Niamh O’Dea, Orlaith Duggan, Chloe Morey(C)(0-07, 0-04f 1’45), Vera Loughnane, Niki Kaiser(1-00), Susan Fahy(2-00), Katie Cahill. Subs: Ciara Whelan for Hehir, SinÚad Tuohy(1-00) for Horgan, Aisling Darcy for Loughnane, Leanne Boyle for Feehily

Tipperary:Orla McEnrey, Moira Ryan, Sheila Ryan, Louise McLoughlin, Aisling Carroll, Caoimhe Maher, MairÚad Barry, Theresa Ryan, BrÝd Quinn(0-01), Sarah Fryday(1-00), Alice Fogarty, Clare Kennedy(0-01), Nichole Walsh(C)(1-07, 0-05f, 1’45), Aoife Ryan, Sarah Cunneen. Subs: Edwina King for McLoughlin, Micheala Graham for Fogarty, Niamh O’Donoghue for Quinn
Match Official: Joe O’Donnell, Luimneach

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