Disappointment for two Tipperary teams in Munster semi-final action last weekend

Munster Minor A Camogie Championship Semi-Final

Tipperary 0-5

Limerick 0-9

The Munster Minor A semi-final between Tipperary and Limerick, played in on the Astro Pitch in Fethard Town Park, saw Limerick emerge victorious on a final scoreline of 0-9 to 0-5. 

Despite a determined second-half performance from Tipperary, Limerick’s defensive solidity and the accurate free-taking of Caitlin Ryan proved decisive. 

Tipperary went into the match as Munster and All-Ireland champions but were well aware of the threat Limerick posed with many of the side having won the U16 All-Ireland final in 2024 and having secured a great extra-time win over Waterford a week previous in their opening round. 

With the wind at their backs in the first half, Limerick settled quickly. Caitlin Ryan opened the scoring with a free before adding a 45-meter effort. 

Tipperary struggled to convert their opportunities and had to wait until the 16th minute for their opening score, a fine point from the lively Elana McGrath. Limerick responded immediately with Hazel Horgan and continued to dominate, as Ryan and Emma Mullins added further scores. Ryan’s precision from placed balls gave Limerick a commanding 0-7 to 0-1 lead at halftime.

Needing a strong start to the second half, Tipperary found inspiration in Lucy O’Brien, who stepped up with two brilliant points, the second a wonderful effort from out on the wing. 

Caoimhe Stakelum then added a superb score after weaving through several Limerick defenders, reducing the deficit to three points. However, Caitlin Ryan responded with another free to restore Limerick’s four-point cushion.

Tipperary fought hard for every possession, with Ciara Cahill’s determined run and point narrowing the gap once more. But Ryan, showing her class free taking again, kept Limerick’s scoreboard ticking over, extending their lead to 0-9 to 0-5.

In the closing stages, Tipperary launched several high balls into the Limerick danger area, hoping for a goal to turn the game. However, the Limerick defence, marshalled brilliantly by centre-back Eve Cleary, stood firm, clearing every threat that came their way.

The stop-start nature of the game made it difficult for Tipperary to build any sustained momentum, especially with the wind advantage in the second half. 

Limerick’s ability to slow the game down and their composure under pressure saw them through to a deserved victory. 

Caitlin Ryan’s clinical display and Eve Cleary’s leadership in defence were key factors in their win.

While Tipperary will be disappointed with their overall performance, they showed plenty of signs of their potential in the second half and will take lessons from this encounter as they prepare for the All-Ireland series. 

Sarah McLoughlin, Leanna Coppinger and Eva Ralph all played well in defence while Issy Carr and Lucy O’Brien also impressed.  

Scorers: Tipperary: Lucy O’Brien 0-2, Elana McGrath, Ciara Cahill, Caoimhe Stakelum all 0-1 each.

Limerick: Caitlin Ryan (0-7, 0-5f, 0-2 45s), Hazel Horgan 0-1, Emma Mullins 0-1.

Tipperary: Danielle Butler; Sarah McLoughlin, Molly Loughnane, Leanna Coppinger; Clodagh Grimes, Eva Ralph, Ava Gaynor;  Lucy Heffernan, Issy Carr; Ciara Cahill, Lucy O’Brien, Isabelle Kingston; Elana McGrath, Caoimhe Stakelum, Anna O’Brien.

Subs used: Eimhear  Troy for Ava Gaynor; Maeve Cunneen for Anna O’Brien; Emma Kennedy for Isabelle Kingston; Rachel O’Meara for Lucy Heffernan.

Limerick: Emma Doherty; Tara Hynes, Cora Long, Kaelin Ryan; Ciara Curtin, Eve Cleary, Mai Mc Kenna; Anna Rose Benson, Caitlin Ryan; Rachel O’Grady, Aoife Moriarty, Maeve Geary; Hazel Horgan, Emma Mullins, Amber O’Sullivan Hunt.

Subs used: Mia Smith for Rachel O’Grady; Sophie Carey for Emma Mullins; Aoibhinn O’Connor for Maeve Geary; Fiona Power for Hazel Horgan.

Referee: Colm O’Mochain (Cork)