REPORTS: A mixed weekend of results for Tipperary's U16 and U23 teams in championship action

Eir All-Ireland U16 A Championship - Round 5

Tipperary 2-14

Galway 5-12

As the old saying goes, goals win games, and Galway proved that in emphatic fashion, raising five green flags on Sunday in the final group game of the Eir All-Ireland U16A Championship, ultimately the key difference against Tipperary. 

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With both sides already aware they would meet again in two weeks’ time in the All-Ireland semi-final, both managers took the opportunity to rotate their squads, giving valuable game time to a number of players while resting some regular starters.

Tipperary made a bright start, opening the scoring after just three minutes through LucyAnne Cleary, who assumed free-taking duties on the day and delivered an excellent performance throughout. Galway responded immediately with a point from Grace Roche, before Kate Duffy edged Tipperary back in front. Roche added another to level matters once more.

Playing with the advantage of the wind, Galway began to find their rhythm, with Orna Dunne landing two points in succession. LucyAnne Cleary replied with another free, but Galway continued to apply pressure, with Maia Nevin and Grace Roche adding further scores. 

Tipperary, meanwhile, relied on Cleary’s accuracy from placed balls, as she converted another free to keep them in touch. Midway through the half, Galway led by 0-6 to 0-4.

Cleary struck again, this time from a 45m, but Galway maintained their momentum, with Eva Harkin and Ciara Mullins both registering points. Then, just before the interval, Roche struck a decisive blow, finding the net to extend Galway’s advantage and leave them leading 1-9 to 0-5 at half-time.

Tipperary made a positive start to the second half, with Aoife O’Donnell, impressive throughout at wing forward, opening the scoring. Katie Brogan responded for Galway before substitute Lily Ivors made an immediate impact by adding her name to the scoresheet.

Della Griffin and LucyAnne Cleary traded frees before Galway struck a crucial blow with a goal. Tipperary responded in kind almost immediately, as Maria Groome found the net, and Cleary followed up with another pointed free to keep Tipp in contention.

However, Galway continued to punish at key moments. Grace Roche struck for her second goal of the game, though Lucy Lee replied with a point for Tipperary. Galway then surged forward once more to raise another green flag, maintaining their advantage in what had become an open, high-scoring contest.

To their credit, Tipperary never relented, with Mae Kennedy grabbing a well-taken goal, while Sarah Killilea added a point for Galway. LucyAnne Cleary and Mel Flannery chipped in with further points for Tipp, but Galway’s clinical edge in front of goal proved decisive once again, with Katelyn Hynes netting their fifth.

LucyAnne Cleary had the final say with a late free, capping a fine individual tally, but the damage had been done. Galway’s ability to convert goal chances ultimately proved the difference, as they ran out winners on a scoreline of 5-12 to 2-14. For Tipperary, other standout performers included Katelyn Creedon and Rona O’Connor. Next up is the All-Ireland semi-final in two weeks’ time.

Tipperary: Elin Brennan; Grainne Troy, Katelyn Creedon, Lorna Ryan; Meabh Lonergan, Evie Ahern, Kate Duffy (0-1); Rona O'Connor, Saila O'Connor; Lucy Anne Cleary (0-9, 0-8f, 0-1 45), Ashling Cully, Aoife O'Donnell (0-1); Mae Kennedy (1-0), Lucy Lee (0-1) Maria Groome (1-0). 

Subs used: Lily Ivors (0-1), Taylor Corbett, Mel Flannery (0-1), Molly Jones, Tara Maher, Caoimhe Kennedy, Olivia Looby.

Galway: Ciara Doyle; Kate Melville, Alannah Hughes, Aoife Lawlor; Emily McDonagh, Nessa Coen, Kayla Dolan; Maia Nevin (0-1), Katie Brogan (0-1); Kayla Burke, Della Griffin, Orna Dunne (0-3); Eva Harkin (0-1f), Grace Roche (2-3, 0-1f), Ciara Mullins (0-1).

Subs used: Katelyn Hynes (1-0), Sarah Killilea (0-1).

Referee: Stephen Redmond (Wexford)