VERY Division 2B League

Tipperary 0-10

Galway 0-06

Tipperary had 4 points to spare over Galway on Saturday in the 4th round of the VERY Division 2B league to make it 3 wins on the trot and leave them behind Cork in second place on score difference heading into the final round of games. With the top two teams progressing to a league final the final fixture away to Kilkenny (on Saturday March 9th) will be a huge game for Bill Mullaney’s side. 

Saturday’s game against  Galway was played in the County Camogie Grounds where both Tipperary and Galway served up an enthralling encounter full of grit and determination against dreadful weather conditions. With freezing cold temperatures, gale force winds and persistent rain showers credit must go to both teams who gave it their all and showed a huge appetite to win. Tipperary had the advantage of the strong wind in the opening half and after 15 minutes were 4 points up thanks to the accurate free taking of Jenny Grace and a well taken point from play from Anna Fahie who impressed throughout. 

Despite enjoying plenty of possession with Leah Burke and Kyla Madden working tirelessly in midfield it was 18 minutes before Galway registered their first score, a point from free taker Aoibheann Barry. She added their second on the 26th minute as Tipp went in at the break 7 points to 2 with Jenny Grace and Jill Ann Quirke raising white flags while Gemma Fox who was a powerhouse at centre back also got her name on the scoreboard with a great run forward and a sweetly struck score. With the wind so strong Galway were still very much in this game and they had the opening score of the second half from Aoibheann Barry. Scores were at a premium but Jenny Grace managed to put Tipperary 5 points in front again with a free on the 40th minute. Galway then struck 3 points in a row and the Tipp lead was looking in trouble with a dangerous 2 points between the sides with only 5 minutes of normal time remaining. The backs continued to play brilliantly with Fox and Laura Shinners beside her at number 5 in particular very good. Further out the field Ciara Brennan put in another good shift while Grace, Jill-Anne Quirke and Anna Fahie continued to battle for every ball in attack. Another pointed free from the ever reliable Jenny Grace in the 59th minute gave Tipp breathing space once again and despite Galway’s best efforts they couldn’t manage another score in the dying minutes. An injury time free from Jenny Grace put 4 between the sides and secured the 2 points for the homeside. 

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

Subs used: Ciara Ryan for L Ryan (HT); Maria Connolly for T Hoare (HT); Saoirse McGrarth for A.Quinlisk (40); Eva O’Dwyer for E. 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  C.Allen (27); Niamh Spellman for C. Dolan (46); Clodagh O’Meara for K. Donohue (46).