Extra time heartbreak for Tipperary in All-Ireland semi-final epic with Galway

Eir All-Ireland U16A Camogie Championship Semi-Final

Tipperary 2-14

Galway 2-18 

After Extra Time

There was heartbreak for the Tipperary U16A team and management at the final whistle on Saturday in Crinkle GAA, as they were edged out by Galway after extra time in a thrilling contest.

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The sides were level at half-time on seven points apiece, and nothing could separate them at the end of normal time either, with the scoreboard reading 1-13 to 1-13. Two periods of ten minutes of extra time followed, but it was Galway who found another gear when it mattered most.

Tipperary battled bravely throughout, but the Tribeswomen pulled away in extra time to secure a four-point victory, 2-18 to 2-14.

Despite the disappointment, this is a very young Tipperary side, and they will undoubtedly take plenty from the experience. There is every reason to believe they will be back competing at this level again. Meanwhile, Galway’s win sees them advance to their fourth consecutive All-Ireland U16A camogie final, a remarkable achievement.

Galway made a bright start, with the excellent midfielder Katie Brogan opening the scoring inside the first minute. Tipperary settled quickly, responding through Molly Jones before Lily Ivors, outstanding throughout, converted a 45m to edge Tipp 0-2 to 0-1 in front.

Galway hit back impressively, registering three points on the bounce to move 0-4 to 0-2 ahead. However, Ivors was once again on target to narrow the gap to the minimum. Scores were then traded between Orna Dunne, Ciara Mullins, and Ivors as the contest ebbed and flowed.

A fine point from play by Grace Roche on 26 minutes pushed Galway three clear at 0-07 to 0-04, but Tipperary’s response before the break was superb. Ivors showed her accuracy from placed balls, converting three frees in succession to draw the sides level at 0-07 apiece by half-time.

The second half continued in the same vein, with both sides exchanging scores in a highly skilful and competitive contest. By the three-quarter mark, the sides remained deadlocked on 0-11 apiece.

Galway then struck for the game’s first goal through Ciara Giblin, opening up a three-point advantage, and they quickly followed with a point to extend their lead. Tipperary, however, showed great resilience. A goal from Lily Ivors in the 56th minute brought them right back into contention, reducing the deficit to the minimum.

Maria Groome, who was causing all sorts of problems for the Galway defence, then split the posts from play to level matters at 1-12 apiece. The drama continued right to the end of normal time, with Orna Dunne and Ivors exchanging points to leave it all square once more at 1-13 to 1-13. Tipperary had chances to snatch victory in normal time, but they were unable to find the decisive score, and the contest moved into extra time.

Tipperary got off to a dream start in extra time, with the outstanding Molly Jones finding the net for a superb goal to edge her side in front. However, that score only seemed to spur Galway into action.

They responded emphatically, hitting four points in succession, two from Grace Roche, one from Katie Brogan, and another from the impressive Orna Dunne, to swing the momentum back in their favour. By the interval in extra time, Galway had regained the lead, 1-17 to 2-13.

Galway were first to strike again after the restart, with Orna Dunne on target before they followed up with a crucial goal that effectively swung the contest in their favour, opening up a five-point advantage.

Tipperary kept battling to the end, with LucyAnne Cleary registering a response score, but they were unable to bridge the gap against an older, more experienced Galway side, who ultimately pulled away to win 2-18 to 2-14.

Despite the disappointment, it was a fantastic team display from Tipperary, with positives throughout the field. Tara Maher was excellent in defence, while Méabh Lonergan, Molly Jones, Aoife O’Donnell, and Lily Ivors all worked tirelessly. Maria Groome also impressed, contributing strongly in a performance full of heart and commitment from a very promising young side.

Tipperary: Sinead Delaney; Kate Duffy, Katelyn Creedon, Tara Maher; Meabh Lonergan, Caoimhe Kennedy, Taylor Corbett; Rona O'Connor, Sailí O'Connor; Melanie Flannery, Molly Jones (1-2), Aoife O'Donnell; LucyAnne Cleary (0-1), Lily Ivors (1-10, 0-9f, 0-1 45), Maria Groome (0-1). 

Subs used: Grainne Troy, Lucy Lee, Mae Kennedy, Olivia Looby.

Galway: Ciara Doyle; Kate Melville, Allanh Hughes, Aoife Lawlor; Emily McDonnagh, Nessa Coen, Kayla Dolan; Maia Nevin, Katie Brogan (0-4); Della Griffin, Cara Giblin (1-2, 0-1f), Orna Dunne (0-7); Eva Harkin, Grace Roche (0-3), Ciara Mullins (0-1).

Subs used: Maeve Cronin (0-1), Katelyn Hates, Sarah Killilea.

Referee: Simon Redmond (Wexford)

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