Clonmel Commercials celebrate historic success in Tipperary ladies football final

Above: The victorious Clonmel Commercials team. Back: Alan Cullinan, John Hannafin, Sadie Ryan, Róisín Morris, Niamh Power, Sadhbh Patterson, Georgia Kerton, Klaudia Compa, Kate Carey, Farrah Madigan, Maja Ciesnik, Claire Dennehy, Chloe Clarke, Faye Keague, Áine Doyle, Clara Guiry, Lexie O’Regan, Mia O’Dwyer. Front: Sandra O’Callaghan, Lucy Morris, Síofra Mangan, Emma Cullinan, Sarah Whelan, Thea Delicato, Chloe Keane, Holly Murphy, Orla McKeown, Leah O’Neill, Coia Norris, Rebecca Hewitt, Eleanor Dalton Campion

Clonmel Commercials 4-15   Templemore 2-7

Clonmel Commercials’ Under 16 ladies footballers made club history in New Inn, capturing their first-ever Tipperary Under 16 A county championship title with a superb 4-15 to 2-7 victory over Templemore.

It was a perfect autumn day for football – sunshine, a firm sod and barely a breeze – setting the stage for a fast, open contest that delighted the large attendance.

Commercials hit the ground running, storming into a 0-4 to 0-0 lead inside the opening five minutes through sharp shooting from Emma Cullinan and the lively Farrah Madigan.

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Their aggressive press on Templemore’s kickouts paid dividends early on, forcing turnovers and keeping sustained pressure high up the pitch.

Templemore responded with a goal on eight minutes that shifted momentum their way. Led by Jennifer Marnell, they enjoyed a dominant spell that saw them move 1-4 to 0-5 ahead.

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However, Commercials showed real grit and composure, refusing to panic. Points from Rebecca Hewitt, Faye Keague and Chloe Keane steadied the ship before a crucial Madigan goal just before the interval restored a four-point cushion at half-time, 1-8 to 1-4.

After the restart, Commercials took full control. Within seven minutes, Hewitt struck for 1-1 in quick succession to extend the lead while the defence, marshalled superbly by captain Sadhbh Hannafin, stood firm.

Hannafin was a rock at the centre of defence, reading the play brilliantly and supported throughout by an outstanding defensive unit.

In midfield, Sarah Whelan and Klaudia Compa worked tirelessly, while Cullinan and Madigan continued to torment the Templemore rearguard. Impact substitute Claire Dennehy made her mark late on with two fine goals, sealing an emphatic victory.

There was also a strong contribution from Holly Murphy, who once again gave everything in her wing back role before being replaced by Lucy Morris with around 13 minutes remaining — Morris fitting seamlessly into the side to help see out the win.
Despite a late Templemore rally that produced a second goal, the result was never in doubt.

The final whistle was met with huge celebrations as Commercials claimed their first-ever Under 16 A county title — a landmark moment for the club and this exceptional group of players.

Clonmel Commercials: Maja Ciesnik, Thea Delicato, Georgia Kerton, Leah O’Neill, Holly Murphy, Sadhbh Hannafin (captain), Kate Carey, Klaudia Compa, Sarah Whelan, Rebecca Hewitt (1-3), Emma Cullinan (0-5, 2f), Coia Norris, Chloe Keane (0-1), Farrah Madigan (2-5), Faye Keague (0-1).

Substitutes: Lucy Morris (for Holly Murphy 47 mins), Claire Dennehy (2-0, for Faye Keague at half-time).