Munster U16 B Shield Final

Tipperary 3-11

Clare 2-05

Referee: Simon Redmond (Dublin)

A superb first half performance on Saturday in the glorious sunshine in the County Camogie Grounds in the Ragg was the catalyst for a comprehensive victory for the Tipperary U16B team in the Munster Shield Final against Clare. From the outset Tipperary’s forwards looked dangerous with the lively Emma Kiely pointing after 3 minutes. Clare responded with a great score from distance from Amy Reynolds a minute later but unfortunately for them this was to be their only score until the 26th minute when Isabelle McInerney pointed a free. By then Tipperary had scored another 2-05 in a blistering opening half for the home side. Two quick points in succession from Grace Flanagan put Tipperary 3 points to 1 up after 7 minutes. While 3 minutes later Emma Kiely had the first of Tipperary’s 3 goals in the opening half. Good work from the Moyle Rovers player saw her beat her marker and shoot for a point but her shot dipped under the cross bar and the umpire raised the green flag. By now Clare were in real trouble with Abi Kelly and Kaelinn Rossiter dominant in midfield supplying the attack with plenty of possession while Emily McGrath was brilliant at wing back and after the game was awarded with player of the match. Tipp had the next  3 points without reply from Aoibheann Maher (free), Emma Kiely and a lovely route one point from full forward Rachel Heffernan. Clare battled hard but were dealt another blow on the 25th minute when Aoibhin Mahers shot from distance found the back of the net. Clare captain Isabelle McInerney pointed a much needed free but it was little consolation as 2 minutes later Tipperary had their third goal when a free from Aoibhin Maher wasn’t dealt with and again Tipp were celebrating another goal. A super score from play from Aoibhin was followed by another well taken Rachel Heffernan point to leave the half time score 3-08 to 2 points. 

Huge credit to Clare they re grouped at half time and really came out fighting in the second half led by Kate Dowling at full forward. She goaled after 3 minutes and had a point from play in between 2 Aoibhinn Maher frees. Shannon Beston and Dowling kept the scoreboard ticking for Clare before Aoibhinn scored her third point of the half. With all the work done in the opening half and a 15 point lead the Tipp management were able to empty their bench with all the subs having a positive impact. Late in injury time Kate Dowling managed to kick the sliothar over the line to leave the final score 3-11 to 2-05. After the game joint captains Kaelinn Rossiter and Rachel Heffernan were presented with the shield from Munster Council chairperson Christine Ryan. The management will no doubt be pleased to pick up silverware in April but attention will now turn to preparing for the All-Ireland series in the summer. 

Tipperary: Ruby Kelly, Jenna Hackett, Sinead Lonergan, Brid Quirke, Ciara Croften, Emma Costello, Emily McGrath, Abi Kelly, Kaelinn Rossiter, Sarah Williams, Eibhlin Burke, Aoibheann Maher(2-05, 1-03 frees), Grace Flanagan (0-02), Rachel Heffernan(0-02), Emma Kiely (1-02)

Subs used: Emer Brennan, Orla Gleeson, Mary Kate Ely, Molly Carr, Molly McLoughlin, Shauna Looby (blood sub)

Clare: Holly Fahy, Isobella McKenna, Aimee Killeen, Laura Meaney, Kayla Connellan, Emma Rellis laura Mai Hannon, Orla Cahill, Isabelle McInerney, Shannon Beston, Amy Reynolds, Ava Casey, Sabhdh McMahon, Kate Dowling, Nikki O’Brien, 

Subs used: Rhia Kavanagh, Shauna O’Neill Clodagh Barry, Aoibhenann McNamara