Tipperary Camogie Notes

Gala All Ireland Senior Camogie Championship.
Tipperary 2.08 – Wexford 3.08

Wexford travelled to Semple Stadium last Saturday to get their Championship campaign back on track, but for spells of the game it looked as if the Tipp girls were going to spoil the party, but as every one knows it aint over till the whistle and a speculative Wexford free from their own 65 received the vital touch from full forward Una Lacey to deny the home side of the much needed point that a draw would have given them. Moments before this free, Tipp had their own free from their 65 yard line & the decision to go short with the placed ball didn’t work out and the lost possession gave Wexford the free in the dying moments of the game which led to the winner.

This game was slow to ignite, with both teams appearing nervous on the ball & afraid to make mistakes & it wasn’t until the 7th minute that the first score was registered by Claire Grogan with a free. Wexford responded with their own free before Claire struck for another placed ball. Both teams seemed to play a 2 player full forward line which left the centre field very crowded, something which didn’t seem to suit the home side’s  centre field pairing. A share of Tipp’s attacks landed in the Wexford goal mouth only for the Wexford goalie to pick up & clear at her leisure. The Tipp back line were strong & very effective throughout this period & a long ball into the Wexford goal which wasn’t cleared by the goalie allowed Mairead Morrissey to tap in for Tipp’s first goal. Wexford battled back & had 3 unanswered points before Philly fogarty got one back from play & Claire Grogan pointed a free. Meanwhile the backs were throwing themselves at Wexford`s attacks & a vital interception by Julie Kirwin in the 21st minute denied Wexford of a certain goal leaving the home side ahead at half time 1.05 to 0.05.

The resumption of the second half saw Wexford take the game to Tipp & registered the first point before Tipp’s Claire Grogan rifled a 21 yard free to the Wexford net.
However, Wexford reacted better & hit 4 unanswered points, one from a sideline cut. Wexford`s second goal once again came from uncertainty between  the Tipp defence & goalie 7 their indecision about clearing their lines allowed wexford tap in for the goal. This uncertainty has been an issue in other games & hopefully can be dealt with before the next game. Tipp were guilty of some bad wides but credit to them they pulled level with points from Philly Fogarty & Claire Grogan until in the 2nd minute of injury time Wexford got the goal that decided the result.

The teams went back to the regular line out in the 2nd half, & this helped the game become more open. Suzanne Kelly was back at her more comfortable slot of full back. Joanne Ryan at centre field was excellent & has great stamina. Emily Hayden when switched to full forward worked hard but the fact that the Tipp full forward line played most of the game on the 21 gave the Wexford goalie plenty of time to clear her lines. Unfortunately for Tipp,  Jill Horan was shown a straight red near the end of the game. Jill had worked very hard throughout the game & contributed a lot in Tipp’s attack.

Tipp now have one last game in the Championship which will be next weekend at home to Galway. The premier girls played well in last weeks game & if the shooting can be improved there is no reason why they cant overcome Galway. Tipp’s hunger & attitude & tackling is very positive & the skill that is in the panel is as good as is with any other County team.

Tipperary; Paula Ryan, Suzanne Kelly, Mairead Luttrell, Julie Kirwin, Paula Bulfin, Tishy O Halloran, Mary Ryan, Joanne Ryan, Philly Fogarty, Cora Hennessy, Emily Hayden, Geraldine Kinnane, Jill Horan, Claire Grogan, Mairead Morrissey. Subs used; Marie Tynan, Therese Shortt.
Referee Fintan McNamara, Clare.

Camogie Notes;

Tipperary’s next Senior Championship is against Galway next weekend at home. Time & venue to be decided. Details will be available to the local radio stations during the week.
The Intermediates suffered also at the hands of their counterparts from Wexford on a scoreline of  1.12 to Tipp`s 0.12. This panel will also face Galway next weekend in the final game of the competition

Well done to all involved with the County u18 team as they easily overcame Wexford in their game last Tuesday in Toomevara & this win puts the team into a strong position as they chase All Ireland glory.

The club scene is relatively quiet at the moment. In the Intermediate championship Bournea overcame Templemore in their game. In the Junior B league Semi final Clonoulty recorded a good win over Kildangan to set them up for a County Final clash with Silvermines.
The Munster league Division 2 group came to an end last week when Knockavilla played Truagh (Clare) in the final in Dundrum . this was a great game of camogie from both teams 7 unfortunately for the home side their dominance throughout the game came unstuck when the visitors got in for two goals near the end to deny the Tipp side a victory. This competition has been a very worth while venture for all clubs who participated & credit to the Munster Council’s Development officer, Deirdre Murphy whose idea it was to launch the competition

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