Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Junior Championship

Tipperary  3-17

Wicklow 1-06

Tipperary travelled to Aughrim in Wicklow on Saturday and recorded an impressive victory over the homeside in round 3 of the Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Junior Championship. This extends the team’s winning streak to 5 with 3 championship wins in a trot added to wins over Cork and Kerry in the Munster Intermediate Championship. What will please Bill Mullaney and his management team even more is the fact they made 10 changes to the side that defeated Tyrone in their previous game proving there is plenty of strength and depth in the panel. 

With 15 minutes gone on the clock Tipperary were looking the better team but Wicklow were keeping within touching distance as Tipp lead 7 points to 3. Five minutes later Tipp had extended their lead when Grace Moloney found the back of the net. A second goal this time from full forward Gillian McKenna put Tipperary in a commanding lead at the break 2-08 to 4 points. Both goals were very well taken with Gillian’s particularly eye catching as she received a great pass from Emma Flanagan before burying her shot to the top corner.

Laura Smyth was by far Wicklow’s most dangerous forward in the first half hitting 3 points from play while Poppie Rose Cullen Dunne also got on the scoresheet with a point from play. Eva O’Dwyer was on free taking duties and she had 4 nailed before half time while also adding a point from play. Grace Moloney, Gillian McKenna and Caroline Shanahan all adding points from play in the opening half as the scores came much easier for a sharp Tipperary attack. Tipperary totally dominated the third quarter scoring 1-04 to Wicklow’s single point from a Laura Smyth free. Tipperary’s third goal came from Eva O’Dwyer who finished with 1-07 before making way for substitute Hazel Brennan. Saoirse McGrath took over the free taking duties in the second half and scored 3 excellent frees and a point from play. While Wicklow got a goal in the second half from the hardworking Shannagh Goetelen to reduce Tipperary’s lead. For Tipperary Amy Quinlisk had an excellent first half before being substituted at half time. The backs always looked in control with Maria Connolly in particular the standout performer. Time and again she drove out from her corner back spot to gather possession and clear her lines. Up front Grace Moloney really impressed covering every blade of grass and chipping in with some fine scores. 

Next up is a final group game against Armagh who are also unbeaten to date and are one of the favourites for this year’s All-Ireland. The fixture takes place on Saturday 29th June and will form a double header with Tipperary and Kilkenny in the senior game. 

Tipperary: Aoife O’Brien, Eimear Carey, Miriam Murphy, Maria Connolly, Eimear Fogarty, Gemma Fox, Emma O’Halloran, Amy Quinlisk, Emma Kelly, Saoirse McGrath(0-05, 3 frees), Eva O’Dwyer(1-07, 4 frees), Grace Moloney (1-03), Emma Flanagan, Gillian McKenna(1-01), Caroline Shanahan(0-01). Subs used: Dani Ryan for Emma Flanagan, Shona McBride for Amy Quinlisk, Hazel Brennan for Eva O’Dwyer

Wicklow: Caitlin Hughes, Naoise O’Neill, Faye Corrigan, Alice Mulhall, Hannah Doyle, Aoife Connolly, Casey Kelly, Shannagh Goetelen(1-0), Shauna O’Shea, Sophie Bermingham, Laura Smyth(0-05, 2 frees) Isabelle Doyle, Poppie Rose Cullen Dunne(0-01), Emily Tyrell, Daisie Summer Cullen Dunne.

Subs used: Nicole Curran for Alice Mulhall, Ciara Kennedy for Naoise O’Neill, Ciara Connolly for Emily Tyrell, Emily Ryan for Daisie Summer Cullen Dunne, Kelly O’Neill for Poppie Rose Cullen Dunne