Tipperary Juniors into League decider after snatching late draw against the Cats

VERY National Camogie League - Division 2B - Round 5

Tipperary 0-16

Kilkenny 2-10

Tipperary have qualified for the VERY Division 2B final after a hard-earned draw with Kilkenny in their final group game in Nowlan Park on Saturday. 

Coming into the fixture the premier team knew a win or a draw would guarantee them a league final spot. After conceding two goals in quick succession in the first half and trailing by six points at the break a final spot was looking doubtful. 

But a superb second half performance full of determination brought them right back into the game while a 64th-minute equaliser from a Jenny Grace free secured the draw and a league final spot. 

Tipperary started well with three early points from Jill-Anne Quirke (2) and Jenny Grace to put them three in front after just five minutes. 

The star of Loreto’s recent All-Ireland success Rachel Dowling responded with a point from play and a free before Caroline Kennedy struck a goal after 13 minutes to put the homeside in front 1-2 to 0-3. A second goal this time from Lauren Ronan three minutes later put Kilkenny firmly in the driving seat. 

Both teams exchanged points with Emma Flanagan, Anna Fahie, and Laura Shinners on target for Tipp while Rachel Dowling displayed great accuracy from frees and play for Kilkenny. At half-time, Kilkenny held a six-point advantage 2-6 to 0-6. 

While Tipp could be accused of a lacklustre first-half performance the second half was a different story as they showed tremendous focus and determination to claw their way back into the game. 

Two points in a row after the restart narrowed the deficit to 4 before Caroline Kennedy pointed for Kilkenny. Kilkenny had the advantage of the breeze in the second half but the Tipperary defence was excellent and held them to just four points. 

Jenny Grace and Anna Fahie were a constant threat up front while further scores from Emma Flanagan and Gemma Fox meant by the 50th minute the sides were level 2-8 to 0-14. 

Scores were now at a premium and it was the 59th before the next score when Rose Kelly raised a white flag for Kilkenny. Jenny Grace and Rachel Dowling both pointed free to leave Kilkenny one up with 34 minutes played. 

But there was to be one final chance and once again, Burgess Duharra’s Jenny Grace showed nerves of steel as she slotted a free over the bar for the equalising point. 

Tipperary: Laura Leenane; Lorna  Ryan, Miriam Murphy, Tara Hoare; Laura Shinners, Gemma Fox, Lilly Fahie; Caroline Shanahan, Ciara Brennan; Amy Quinlisk, Jenny Grace, Orla O’Brien; Anna Fahie, Jill-Anne Quirke, Emma Flanagan.

Subs used: Ciara Ryan for Caroline Shanahan; Maria Connolly for Miriam Murphy; Sophie Pembroke for Laura Shinners.

Kilkenny: Cliona Murphy; Ellen Purcell, Rachel Brennan, Jane Cass; Shauna Treacy, Hannah Scott, Carlise Comerford; Mairead Kennedy, Eimear Leahy; Aoife Cantwell, Cria Langton, Lauren Ronan; Afton Grace, Caroline Kennedy, Rachel Dowling. 

Referee: Shane Foley (Carlow)