U16 A All-Ireland Championship – Round 1

Tipperary 0-03

Limerick 0-11

Tipperary had a tough opening game on Saturday in the U16 A All-Ireland Championship against Munster champions Limerick. Tipperary had lost to Limerick in the opening game of the Munster championship with Limerick going on to win out the competition while Tipperary won the shield. With the game at home in the Ragg, Tipperary buoyed by their recent win in the shield final were hoping they could reverse the fortunes of when the sides last met. Unfortunately, things didn’t go to plan with an excellent Limerick side dominant for the whole hour while Tipperary never showed their true potential. A very strong and impressive Limerick defence led by Ornagh Barrett and Abigail Buckley held the homeside to just 3 points, all which were scored in the opening half with Emma Kennedy and Doireann Ryan on target from play while Isabelle Kingston scored from a free. It was the 15th minute before Tipperary registered there first score while Limerick raced into an opening 5 point lead. Limerick continued to dominate and by half time held a comfortable 5 point lead 8 points to 3. Caitlin Ryan was excellent on the frees scoring 3 in the first  half while their full forward line of Rachel O’Grady (2), Aoibhinn O’Connor and Hazel Horgan all raised white flags. It was a disappointing second half with neither team scoring for a 30th minute spell after Caitlin Ryan opened the scoring with a free in the first minute. Tipperary failed to score at all in the second half while Limerick hit a number of wides. Eventually they scored 2 points in injury time to leave the final score at 11 points to 3. Best for Tipperary on the day was Ella Frend ,Neasa Dwan, Emma Kennedy and Eavann Duffy.  Next up is a meeting with Cork in Cork Camogie Grounds this Sunday May 12th @ 2pm. 

Tipperary: Roisin Ferncombe, Kelly O’Dwyer, Ella Frend, Leah Maher, Emma Kennedy, Neasa Dwan, Ciara Cahill, Eavann Duffy, Isabelle Kingston, Grace Stapleton, Doireann Ryan, Jessie Shanahan, Grace Cleary, Kate Nevin, Clodagh Shinners 

Subs used: Emma Bonner for Clodagh Shiners, Michelle Lee for Kate Nevin, Faye Lavin for Grace Stapleton, Eavann Gleeson for Grace Cleary

Limerick: Emma O’Doherty, Tara Hynes, Ornagh Barrett, Aoife Morrissey, Eve Cleary, Abigail Buckley, Cora Long, Nia Smith, Caitlin Ryan, Anna Rose Benson, Amber O’Sullivan, Sophie O’Grady, Rachel O’Grady, Aoibhinn O’Connor, Hazel Horgan.