Tipperary's ladies footballers preserve their Division Two status
Tipp had two points to spare over Roscommon
Tipperary 1-12 Roscommon 0-10
Tipperary’s senior ladies footballers secured their Division 2 status for next year with an impressive and determined performance against Roscommon in Round 7 of the Lidl Ladies National Football League on Sunday.
Played in Roscommon, the match was defined by a standout performance from Tipperary’s Aishling Moloney, whose accuracy in front of goal proved crucial in sealing a hard-earned victory.
Roscommon made a confident start, immediately putting the visitors under pressure. Laura Mannion opened the scoring after just three minutes with a fine point from play, setting an energetic pace for the hosts. However, Tipperary quickly settled into the match, matching Roscommon’s early intensity.
Aishling Moloney, who was central to Tipperary’s attacking threat, swiftly responded with a well-taken point on the four-minute mark, highlighting her significance to Tipp’s offensive play.
Roscommon continued to press and added further points through Marian Nolan (five minutes) and Aisling Hanly (eight minutes), momentarily unsettling Tipperary’s defensive set-up.
However, Tipp remained resilient, despite early wides from Moloney and Emma Morrissey, maintaining composure in possession and steadily regaining confidence as the half progressed.
Moloney’s consistent free-taking kept Tipperary ticking over, complemented by crucial scoring contributions from team mates Caoimhe Condon (17 minutes) and Morrissey (20 minutes), who found their accuracy at key moments.
Roscommon, while threatening, struggled with consistency in front of goal, notably when Caoimhe Lennon and Hanly missed valuable scoring opportunities. Despite their defensive solidity, Roscommon failed to capitalise on Tipperary’s early hesitance, allowing the visitors to level the score at six points apiece by half-time.
The second half commenced with renewed intensity from Tipperary. Morrissey opened the scoring soon after the restart on 33 minutes, highlighting Tipperary’s intent.
The pivotal moment of the match arrived at the 40-minute mark when Moloney unleashed a powerful shot that hit the back of the Roscommon net, providing Tipperary with crucial breathing room.
With confidence visibly lifted by Moloney’s goal, Tipperary asserted greater control. Caitlin Kennedy extended their lead on 43 minutes, exploiting spaces opened up by Roscommon’s increased urgency.
The hosts responded tactically with substitutions, introducing fresh legs, with Niamh Feeney replacing Abby Curran; Ciara Quinn introduced for Shannon McGuinness, Megan Kelly replacing Rachel Brady and Amy Malone coming on for Marian Nolan.
Despite their best efforts, Roscommon’s scoring opportunities remained limited by a resolute Tipperary defence. Mannion, a standout performer, rallied her side with points after 52 and 56 minutes, yet Roscommon struggled to sustain prolonged offensive pressure.
Moloney continued her scoring spree, adding critical points from open play and placed balls, exemplifying her role as a key player.
Tipp introduced substitutes Sinead O’Carroll (50 minutes for Caoimhe Condon), Neassa Towey (56 minutes for Aoibhe O’Shea), and Ava Fennessy (59 minutes for Clara English), each contributing to maintaining Tipp’s momentum.
As the final whistle approached, Moloney fittingly sealed the result with clinical frees at 61 and 63 minutes, capping an outstanding personal and team performance.
With a final score of 1-12 to 0-10, Tipperary emerged deserved winners, securing their place in Division 2 for next season.
The victory showcased Tipperary’s resilience, determination and tactical maturity, particularly in responding to early pressure. Central to this victory was Moloney, whose 1-7 contribution reinforced her status as one of the competition’s most prolific forwards, and setting the stage for Tipperary to build upon this solid league campaign next season.