Tipperary Secure Opening Win in Eir U16A All-Ireland Championshi

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February 10, 2025


Tipperary 3-09 

Dublin 0-08
Naomh Barróg GAA, Dublin

Referee: Liz Dempsey

Tipperary got their Eir U16A All-Ireland Championship campaign off to a strong start with a well-earned victory over Dublin in Naomh Barróg GAA. Playing with a strong wind in the first half, the Premier County capitalised on their chances and led 2-04 to 0-04 at the break before seeing out a composed second-half performance to seal the win.

Tipperary started brightly, dominating possession and linking up play effectively. Neasa Dwan opened the scoring with two early points before Cailín Kennedy was fouled in the square, earning a penalty that Grace Cleary confidently converted. Further points from play by Cailín Kennedy and Grace Cleary kept the scoreboard ticking for Tipp. Dublin responded with two frees from Abigail Ryan to keep themselves in contention, and as the half wore on, they began to cause problems for Tipperary's defence.

However, just before the break, Tipperary struck a crucial goal. A well-worked move saw a puck-out find Grace Cleary, who played in Alice Butler, and she soloed through the defence before finishing low into the corner of the net. Dublin added points through Isabelle Gilleran and Keelin Dwyer, but Tipperary took a 2-04 to 0-04 lead into halftime.

Dublin made defensive changes at the interval, but it was Tipperary who started the second half stronger, despite playing against the wind. The teams traded early points, with Erin Dunne responding to a Tipperary score. However, over the next ten minutes, Tipp effectively put the game beyond doubt, registering 1-03 without reply. The third goal was a well-worked team effort finished by Cailín Kennedy, while Alice Butler and Grace Cleary, who was accurate from placed balls, added further scores.

Dublin continued to battle and added three late points through Abigail Ryan, Erin Dunne, and Liadh Gargan, but they never truly threatened the Tipperary goal, where Faye Ahern was composed throughout. In defence, Ava Fanning and Evanne Gleeson led by example, ensuring the Dublin forwards were kept under pressure.

It was a deserved victory for Tipperary, who showed great composure against very tough opposition particularly in the second half against the wind. Dublin, despite the loss, showed displayed plenty of talent, with strong running and defensive resilience. However weren’t as clinical as Tipperary who were better to take their scoring opportunities.

Dublin: Orlaith Bruton, Aoife Kilduff, Caoimhe Phelan, Grace O’Sullivan, Líadh Gargan(0-01), Keelin Ahearne, Daisy Sunderland, Laura Casey, Abigail Ryan (0-04, 2 frees), Erin Dunne(0-01), Emma Broderick, Keelin Dwyer(0-01), Layla-Mai McNeill, Isabelle Gillearan(0-01), Béibhinn Doyle


Tipperary: Faye Ahern, Bríd Delaney, Rosie O’Brien, Ava Fanning, Evanne Gleeson, Carley Walsh, Jessie Shanahan, Clodagh Davis, Neasa Dwan (0-02), Grace Cleary(1-06, 1-0 penalty 5 frees),Bríd Woodlock, Anna Carr, Cailín Kennedy(1-0), Sophie Moynihan, Alice Butler (1-01)