Tipp book their place in All-Ireland Junior Final

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July 22, 2024

Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Junior Semi-Final

 

Tipperary 0-15

Armagh 1-11

 

Tipperary are through to the Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Junior Final after a pulsating victory over Armagh in Ashbourne. Their opponents on Sunday August  11th will be Laois who overcame Cavan 2-16 to 3-07 in the opening game of an entertaining double header in the Meath venue. Tipp only had to wait a minute for the opening score of the game when Jenny Grace pointed a free and her first  of 9 points in another steadfast performance from the Burgess Duharra forward. It was Armagh who settled the quicker though and had the better of the opening exchanges with 4 points on the bounce in to give the Orchard county a 4 point to 1 lead after 7 minutes. Jennifer Curry caused some early problems with 2 from play while Ciara Geoghegan made no mistake from two early frees.

Tipp though soon got into their rhythm and began to take control in their own half backline and midfield. Anna Fahie popped up with a score from midfield while a minute later her sister Lily won a free in her own half backline and Sophie Pembroke stepped up to put it between the posts. In a really closely fought opening half Sinead Quinn pointed for Armagh before Grace and Geoghegan exchanged scores. While Armagh’s fullback line lead by the excellent Gemma McCann prevented Tipp’s dangerous inside forward line enjoying much success the chances did come further out the field with wing back Orla O’Brien hitting 2 first half points on the 15th and 21st minute to the delight of the Tipp following. Centre forward Ciara Brennan pointed in between to help Tipp regain the lead by the slimmest of margins. Armagh’s  Ciara Geoghegan slotted another point to tie the game at 7 points apiece but Tipperary finished the half strong and Jenny Grace was on hand to score a point from play and a free to give Tipperary a deserved 2 point lead heading to the dressing rooms, 9 points to 7.

The quality and score-for-score nature of the contest continued after half-time, with the dead-ball experts on both sides prominent.

Armagh keeper, Ciarrai Devlin pulled off a fine save in the 47th minute to deny Tipp sub Laura Shinners and keep the game close, but once again Grace made no mistake with three consecutive 45s to extend her side’s lead to four points. Emma Flanagan also chipped in which a crucial second half point while Sinead Meagher’s workrate and winning of frees was also a key factor of Tipp’s success. Gemma Fox was introduced as a second half substitute and she immediately put her shoulder to the wheel to help a determined and tenacious Tipperary defence where Orla O’Brien and Maria Connolly really excelled. Heading to the closing stages Bill Mullaney’s side and were 4 points in front and this cushion meant they were able to concede a goal to Jennifer Curry deep in stoppage time and still hold firm, putting themselves 60 minutes away from winning this championship for the first time since 2001.


Tipperary: Laura Leenane, Lorna Ryan, Ciara Ryan, Maria Connolly, Orla O’Brien (0-02), Sophie Pembroke (0-01 free), Lily Fahie, Amy Quinlisk, Anna Fahie (0-01), Jill-Anne Quirke, Ciara Brennan (0-01) Grace Moloney, Emma Flanagan (0-01), Sinead Meagher, Jenny Grace (0-09, 4 frees, 3 45m)

Subs used: Laura Shinners for G.Moloney, Gemma Fox for L. Fahie


Armagh: Ciarra Devlin, Michelle McCone, Gemma Mccann, Aine Doyle, Michelle McGuigan, Eimear Hayes, Katie Comiskey, Katie Convie, Leanne Donnelly, Eimear O’Kane, Niamh Forker, Sinead Quinn(0-01), Rachael Merry, Ciara Geoghegan(0-06, 5 frees, Jennifer Curry (1-02)

Subs used: Sophie Slowey (0-01), Tierna Maxwell (0-01)