Spirited Tipperary minor footballers suffer defeat by Kerry in Killarney

Kerry 4-11 Tipperary 1-12

Tipperary made the long journey to Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney to take on the might of The Kingdom on the last Saturday in February.

They had the brighter start to this contest with an opening minute point from a placed ball, with Ciara O’Hora eyeing up her target from the start.

With barely another minute gone on the clock, and despite a tough-tackling Kerry defence, Eabha Dolan found the uprights to register Tipp's second point.

In the third minute Kerry’s Katie Doe opened their account with a confidently-taken free, awarded following a spurt of dominant play that was defended in style by the Premier County’s back lines.

From the re-start Tipperary kicked on and scored the next two points in as many minutes from Ellie Franklin and Eabha Dolan to leave the score board reading 0-4 to 0-1 after five minutes of exhilarating, free flowing football.

However, Kerry hit a purple patch for the next 15 minutes, clocking up 2-3 despite a formidable Tipperary defensive set-up.

It took until the 20th minute for Tipperary to breach the Kerry defence again and settle back into the game with a Ciara O’Hora point from play.

However, Kerry matched that score without delay with another Katie Doe point.

At this stage Tipp needed to call on their bench for the first time, such was the workrate required from the players to stem the continuous Kerry attacks.

There was little time for Molly Crowe to settle before Kerry delivered the hammer blow with another goal, notwithstanding the superb efforts being delivered throughout the Tipp back lines.

Tipperary finished the half with the last say, registering a point from Molly Gilmartin in the 27th minute to go into the dressing room on the back foot and trailing by 3-5 to 0-6.

A big second half was going to be required to effect change on the scoreboard.

Tipp emerged with a number of changes for the second half, with Sophie Coughlan making an appearance for Niamh O’Farrell just before the half- time whistle, and both Emily Spillane and Emer Dwan introduced at the resumption for Molly Gilmartin and Eabha Dolan.

The second half was a more balanced affair entirely. Tipp, with their backs to the wall, came out with fierce determination, only to be matched by a buoyant Kerry, who were happy to be ahead but nonetheless contesting every ball and demanding a ferocious workrate from the Tipperary team in all areas of the pitch.

It was an entertaining second half, with both teams equal on scores at 1-6 apiece and the scoreboard changing every two minutes in the 30-minute half.

Kerry opened the second half scoring with two points from play in the third and fifth minutes from Mary Kate Smith and Katie Doe.

Tipperary’s Ciara O’Hora added another to her tally in the sixth minute before the Kerry forwards found space to pop over two further points in the ninth and tenth minutes.

Tipperary got the upper hand for the following ten minutes and reduced the deficit by 1-2 thanks to a pointed free, a point from play and a penalty.

On the 20-minute mark Amy Reddan was introduced for Aedin McCormack and Emer Dwan pointed from play.

The always alert Kerry full forward was quick off the mark despite an amazing defensive effort from Cailtin Shelly, Sarah Luttrell and Sarah Smith, and she found the back of the net on 24 minutes.

The Premier County side, who adopted a dogged, never-give-up attitude for this entire game were rewarded with two further points in the 26th and 33rd minutes, although these were matched by Kerry in the 28th and 31st minutes.

Although Kerry ran out winners, there can be no doubt that this spirited Tipperary side gave them plenty to think about and denied them any ease.

These young Tipperary ladies should be commended for their tremendous efforts and can take some much-needed rest before their next outing, which has them on the road again with an away game in Clare on Saturday March 16.

Tipperary: Sarah Smith, Niamh O’Farrell, Sarah Luttrell, Caitlin Shelly, Emaleigh Cuddihy, Eva Cremins, Leanna Coppinger, Sinead O’Carroll, Ellie Franklin (0-1), Hannah Butler, Lucy O’Brien, Molly Gilmartin (0-1), Eabha Dolan (0-2), Aedin McCormack, Ciara O’Hora (1-6 3 frees, 1-0 penalty).

Subs: Molly Crowe for Hannah Butler (21 mins), Emily Spillane (0-1) for Molly Gilmartin (H/T), Emer Dwan (0-1) for Eabha Dolan (H/T), Amy Reddan for Aedin McCormack (49 mins).

Referee: Martin Murphy (Limerick).