Tipperary dethroned late on in epic All-Ireland semi-final to Cork

Electric Ireland All-Ireland Minor A Camogie Semi-Final

Tipperary 1-10

Cork 2-13 

Tipperary’s Electric Ireland All-Ireland Minor A campaign came to an end on Saturday afternoon as they fell to a strong Cork side in the semi-final at the Cork County Camogie Grounds. On a perfect spring day for camogie, both teams delivered a high-intensity, hard-fought contest, but it was the Munster champions who pulled clear in the final quarter to seal their place in the final.

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Cork entered the game as favourites, having topped their group and lifted the Munster title earlier in the season. However, Tipperary – buoyed by their impressive quarter-final victory over Wexford – began with intent, hunger, and superb work rate.

They threatened early on, and a brilliant chance fell to Caoimhe Stakelum on the 7th minute only for an incredible hook by Cork corner-back Saoirse Cunningham to deny her a certain goal. A 9th-minute free by Caoimhe was cancelled out by Cork’s first score from Maebh O’Brien. 

A minute later Tipperary took a deserved lead when Caoimhe Stakelum shocked everyone by going for goal from a 30-yard free and rifled the sliotar into the top corner – a sensational strike that left the Cork goalkeeper with no chance. 

Rather than rattling the hosts, the goal sparked Cork into life. They responded immediately with three excellent points from play from Clara murphy, Catherine Murphy and the superb Rachel Murphy, showcasing their fluid attacking play and depth in scoring options. While Tipperary remained competitive they struggled to score while Cork hit 3 more points in succession to open up a 7 point to 1 lead.

Caoimhe Stakelum added a point from play before a superb point from Cork captain Rachel Murphy on the left wing. Another Stakelum free reduced the lead but diaster struck for Ray Ralph’s charges when Tara Goulding goaled for Cork to the delight of the home crowd.

The response from Tipp was excellent and they battled back well, showing real grit to notch the final three points of the half and go in just two points adrift at the break, 1-8 to 1-6.

The second half was a tighter affair with scores harder to come by. Cork maintained a narrow lead, with Tipp never more than a few scores adrift.

Ciara Cahill was immense at centre-back, while Sarah McLoughlin stood firm at full-back. In midfield, Emma Kennedy and Rachael O'Meara worked tirelessly, and up front, Stakelum remained the heartbeat of Tipperary's attacking efforts. Isobel O’Donnell split the posts on the 49th minute to make it 1-11 to 1-09. Ava McAuliffe added to her tally to put 3 between the sides. 

As time ticked away, Tipperary pushed hard in search of a late goal. However, a combination of rushed decision-making and solid Cork defending saw chances go astray. In the the 59th miniute Cork broke on the counter to net a second goal of their own from Jess Murphy.

Now two goals clear, Cork were not going to be denied. Ciara Kelleher and Maeve Cunneen exchanged late points before the full-time whistle as Cork advance to a final meeting with Kilkenny who defeated Limerick 4-14 to 0-8.

Though the result wasn’t in their favour, Tipperary can take immense pride in their campaign. Their intensity, commitment, and progress throughout the season were evident, and they leave the championship with heads held high after a series of strong performances. 

Scorers for Cork: R Murphy 0-5, T Goulding, J Murphy 1-0 each, A McAuliffe 0-2, S Cronin 0-2 (0-1 f, 0-1 45), Clara Murphy, Catherine Murphy, C Kelleher, M O'Brien 0-1 each.

Tipperary: C Stakelum 1-8 (1-5 f, 0-2 45), I O'Donnell, M Cunneen 0-1 each.

CORK: A Kearney, A McGrath , L Ahern, S Cunningham, M Lombard, C Ryan, A Cussen J Murphy, Catherine Murphy, R Murphy, A McAuliffe, Clara Murphy, S Cronin, T Goulding, M O'Brien,

Subs: A Mulkerrins for S Cronin (40), C Kelleher for T Goulding (49), K O'Sullivan for M O'Brien (61).

TIPPERARY: D Butler; L Maher, S McLoughlin, L Coppinger; E Kennedy, I O'Donnell, E Ralph; R O'Meara, C Grimes; C Stakelum, L O'Brien, E McGrath; D Ryan, C Cahill, M Cunneen.

Subs: I Carr for E McGrath (47), L Heffernan for L O’Brien (50), K Dowling for C Grimes (60).

Referee: Fintan McNamara (Clare)