Tipperary will face Galway in Under 16 B Development Camogie All-Ireland final

Tipperary 3-10 Kilkenny 2-13

Tipperary and Kilkenny ended all square in the County Camogie Grounds at The Ragg on Saturday morning in the final group game of the Under 16 B Development All-Ireland series.

Tipp looked to be heading for victory when they held a three-point lead in the closing stages, but a late injury time goal from Kilkenny meant a share of the spoils.

A draw, however, was enough for Tipperary to reach the final of this competition, where they play Galway this Friday in the County Camogie Grounds at 7.30pm.

Kilkenny got off to the better start on Saturday and raced into an early three- point lead after five minutes thanks to two points from Ava Sutton and one from corner forward Clodagh O’Callaghan.

Tipperary needed a score and Molly Carr duly obliged with a well-taken point. Kilkenny continued to look dangerous up front and when Ella Maher’s 45 went all the way into the Tipperary goal they had opened up a four-point lead, 1-3 to 0-2 after 13 minutes.

Tipperary upped their intensity in the second quarter and Rachel Heffernan struck two points to put two between the sides. The home side continued to pressurise the Kilkenny defence and were awarded a penalty, which Aoibhinn Maher stood up to take and fired home.

The Kilkenny response, however, was very good and they tapped over some points from Naomi Kerr and Sophie Roberts.
Aoibhin Maher pointed a free in the 31st minute to leave the half-time score 1-9 to 1-6 in favour of Kilkenny.

Tipperary emerged in the second half to produce a brilliant half an hour of camogie, with Kaelinn Rossiter raising two green flags to given them a four-point lead.

Aoibhin Maher and Rachel Heffernan converted second half frees while Sarah Williams also pointed from play to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

For Kilkenny, Ava Sutton continued her good performance, raising another white flag, while substitutes Lisa Fitzpatrick and Laura Leahy also had an impact, scoring a number of points.

With time almost up, Tipperary found themselves three points ahead but Ava Sutton struck a goal to level proceedings and leave the full time score 3-10 to 2-13.

Tipperary: Meabh Leahy, Orla Gleeson, Jenna Hackett, Brid Quirke, Shauna Looby, Emma Costello, Sarah Rochford, Kaelinn Rossiter (2-0), Mark Kate Ely, Sarah Williams (0-1), Aoibhin Maher (1-5, 4 frees, 1 penalty), Molly Carr (0-1), Niamh Manton, Rachel Heffernan (0-3, 1 free), Molly McLoughlin.

Subs used: Abi Kelly, Eibhlin Bourke, Sinead Lonergan.

Kilkenny: Orla Duggan, Aoibhin McCarthy, Ellie Fenlon, Anna Morrissey, Ella Sheehan, Kate Ryan, Sinead Henderson, Lily Ryan, Lucy Comey (0-1), Sophie Roberts (0-2), Ella Maher (1-1), Ava Sutton (1-3), Keelin Henebery, Emma O’Connor, Clodagh O’Callaghan (0-2).

Subs used: Naomi Kerr (0-1), Laura Leahy (0-1), Lisa Fitzpatrick (0-2).