Munster U16A Semi-Final: Cork Edge Tipperary in Exciting Contest

Tipperary 2-07

Cork 3-08

Referee: Daniel O’Donnel (Limerick)

After several changes due to weather and pitch conditions, the Munster U16A semi-final between Tipperary and Cork finally took place on Sunday evening at the superb facilities of Fethard Town Park. Played under the lights on the astro turf, this eagerly awaited clash didn’t disappoint. Despite a spirited second-half comeback from Tipperary, Cork held firm to secure a four-point victory on a scoreline of 3-08 to 2-07.

Cork had the advantage of a strong wind in the opening half, but it was Tipperary who opened the scoring with a superb free from their star player, Grace Cleary. Rachel Morrison followed up with a fine point, keeping the Tipp defence under pressure early on. Cork, then took the lead thanks to a Leah Ryan point. An evenly contested first quarter saw Cleary restore Tipperary’s lead with a second free after 18 minutes. Despite the low scoring the ball was up and down the pitch in a fast paced opening half. 

Cork began to dominate as the half wore on. Points from Lea Melliouin and Stephanie Dwyer gave them the lead, and in injury time, Rachel Morrison struck a crucial blow for Cork, finding the back of the net with the last puck of the half. At the interval, Cork held a commanding six-point lead, 1-05 to 0-02, but Tipperary had the wind advantage to come.

However, Tipperary’s hopes were dented immediately after the restart. Cork struck for two quick goals inside three minutes, with Rachel Morrison netting her second and Meadbh Fitzgerald adding another after a scramble in the goalmouth. Facing an uphill battle, Tipperary responded through the ever-reliable Grace Cleary, who converted two frees in quick succession.

Cork introduced Lexi Manley, who took over free-taking duties and traded scores with Cleary as both sides battled for dominance. Tipperary began to rally, with Alice Butler landing a point before Cleary, now operating closer to goal, struck for a well-taken goal following excellent work from Neasa Dwan, who put in a tireless performance throughout the game.

As the game entered its final stages, Tipperary found themselves six points behind but refused to give in. A 21-yard free was buried in the net by Grace Cleary with a thunderous shot, reducing the deficit to three points. Another Cleary free left just two points between the sides, but Cork’s Lexi Manley steadied her team with two late converted frees, ensuring victory for the Rebel County.

The final whistle saw Cork emerge victorious, 3-08 to 2-07. Tipperary will rue the concession of three goals at critical moments, but they can take pride in their strong finish and the valuable experience gained against a high-quality Cork side.  

Tipperary Scorers: Grace Cleary (2-06, 1-06 frees) Alice Butler (0-01)

Cork Scorers: Rachel Morrison 2:01, Meadbh Fitzgerald 1:00, Leah Ryan 0:01, Lexi Manley 0:03 (3f), Lea Melliouin 0:02 (2f), Stephanie Dwyer 0:01

Tipperary: Faye Ahern, Brid Delaney, Rosie O'Brien, Ava Fanning, Evanne Gleeson, Carley Walsh, Jessie Shanahan, Neasa Dwan, Brid Woodlock, Amy Cahill, Grace Cleary, Emily McGrath, Lucy Rabbitte, Alice Butler, Leah Hickey Subs: Cailin Kennedy for Emily McGrath (27 mins), Amy O’Connor for Leah Hickey (27 mins), Sophie Moynihan for Lucy Rabbitte (45 mins)

Cork: Eve O'Donoghue, Madeline Keane, Aisling Coleman, Rachel Jones, Ciara Hayes, Grace O'Connell, Ciara Roche, Sophie Gunn, Sarah Kelleher, Orla Troy, Leah Ryan, Lea Melliouin, Meadbh Fitzgerald, Rachel Morrison, Stephanie Dwyer Subs: Amber Bishop for Sarah Kelleher (20mins), Lexi Manley (HT), Cliona Harte for Sophie Gunn (39 mins), Robyn O’Mahony for Rachel Jones (58 mins), Sarah Galvin

Munster Minor A Semi-Final: Limerick Overcome Tipperary in a Low-Scoring Battle

Tipperary 0-05

Limerick 0-09

Referee: Colm O’Mochain

The Munster Minor A semi-final between Tipperary and Limerick, played on the Astro Pitch in Fethard Town Park, saw Limerick emerge victorious on a final scoreline of 0-09 to 0-05. Despite a determined second half performance from Tipperary, Limerick’s defensive solidity and the accurate free-taking of Caitlin Ryan proved decisive. Tipperary went into the match as Munster and All-Ireland champions but were well aware of the threat Limerick posed with many of the side having won the U16 All-Ireland final in 2024 while also having secured a great extra time win over Waterford  a week previous in their opening round.

With the wind at their backs in the first half, Limerick settled quickly. Caitlin Ryan opened the scoring with a free before adding a 45-meter effort. Tipperary struggled to convert their opportunities and had to wait until the 16th minute for their opening score, a fine point from the lively Elana McGrath. Limerick responded immediately with Hazel Horgan and continued to dominate, as Ryan and Emma Mullins added further scores. Ryan’s precision from placed balls gave Limerick a commanding 0-07 to 0-01 lead at halftime.

Needing a strong start to the second half, Tipperary found inspiration in Lucy O’Brien, who stepped up with two brilliant points, the second a wonderful effort from out on the wing. Caoimhe Stakelum then added a superb score after weaving through several Limerick defenders, reducing the deficit to three points. However, Caitlin Ryan responded with another free to restore Limerick’s four-point cushion.

Tipperary fought hard for every possession, with Ciara Cahill’s determined run and point narrowing the gap once more. But Ryan, showing her class free taking again, kept Limerick’s scoreboard ticking over, extending their lead to 0-09 to 0-05.

In the closing stages, Tipperary launched several high balls into the Limerick danger area, hoping for a goal to turn the game. However, the Limerick defence, marshalled brilliantly by centre-back Eve Cleary, stood firm, clearing every threat that came their way.

The stop-start nature of the game made it difficult for Tipperary to build any sustained momentum, especially with the wind advantage in the second half. Limerick’s ability to slow the game down and their composure under pressure saw them through to a deserved victory. Caitlin Ryan’s clinical display and Eve Cleary’s leadership in defence were key factors in their win.

While Tipperary will be disappointed with their overall performance, they showed plenty of signs of their potential in the second half and will take lessons from this encounter as they prepare for the All-Ireland series. Sarah McLoughlin, Leanna Coppinger and Eva Ralph all played well in defence while Issy Carr and Lucy O’Brien also impressed. 

Tipperary Scorers: Lucy O’Brien (0-02), Elana McGrath (0-01), Ciara Cahill (0-01), Caoimhe Stakelum (0-01)

Limerick Scorers: Caitlin Ryan  (0-07, 5 frees, 0-02 45m), Hazel Horgan (0-01), Emma Mullins (0-01)

Tipperary: Danielle Butler, Sarah McLoughlin, Molly Loughnane, Leanna Coppinger, Clodagh Grimes, Eva Ralph, Ava Gaynor,  Lucy Heffernan, Issy Carr, Ciara Cahill, Lucy O’Brien, Isabelle Kingston, Elana McGrath, Caoimhe Stakelum, Anna O’Brien Subs: Eimhear  Troy for Ava Gaynor, Maeve Cunneen for Anna O’Brien, Emma Kennedy for Isabelle Kingston, Rachel O’Meara for Lucy Heffernan (56 mins)

Limerick: Emma Doherty, Tara Hynes, Cora Long, Kaelin Ryan, Ciara Curtin (C), Eve Cleary, Mai Mc Kenna, Anna Rose Benson, Caitlin Ryan, Rachel O’Grady, Aoife Moriarty, Maeve Geary, Hazel Horgan, Emma Mullins, Amber O’Sullivan Hunt Subs: Mia Smith  for Rachel O’Grady (41 mins), Sophie Carey for Emma Mullins (47 mins), Aoibhinn O’Connor for Maeve Geary (48 mins), Fiona Power for Hazel Horgan  (50 Mins)