TG-4 Intermediate Championship Match Reports

Round 1: Tipperary v Limerick - Semple Stadium, Thurles (5.00pm)

Tipperary 10-22    Limerick 0-4

Referee: Eamon Moran (Kerry)

Match Preview

Aisling McCarthy is back to give Tipperary a significant championship boost. The Cahir star spent the Spring with the Western Bulldogs in the Australian Women’s AFL, but will pull on the Tipperary shirt for the first time in 2019 when the Premier County tackle Limerick in Thurles.

This first round TG4 Munster Intermediate clash pits Tipp, who were relegated from the senior ranks last year, against Limerick, who earned promotion to the Intermediate grade after landing the All-Ireland Junior crown. Limerick will aim to consolidate in the Intermediate grade in 2019, while Tipp will start as one of the hot favourites to win the All-Ireland crown outright.

The Nenagh Guardian: 

A mis-match of extraordinary proportions this as Tipperary‘s ladies blitzed Limerick in a most one-sided Munster Intermediate Football Championship tie on Saturday. What a 48 point difference does for either team is debatable but Tipperary could do no more than meet the challenge offered and they go forward to meet Clare in the next round with confidence on a high. This was never a contest. With Cahir’s Aishling Moloney a towering figure leading the home attack, Tipperary had seven points on the board without reply when Moloney fed Aishling McCarthy who duly dispatched the ball to the net for Tipp’s opening goal after fifteen minutes. A minute later Anna Rose Kennedy was the recipient of Moloney’s good work and netted number two and Moloney again was provider for Anna Carey’s 18^th minute goal for Tipp who now led 3-8 to no score.

It didn’t stop there and Moloney herself finally got her  reward with a 26^th minute goal as Tipp went into the break leading 4-13 to 0-3 Limerick’s first point coming from a Catriona Davis free in the 21^stminute. Indeed Moloney might well have had a hat-trick of first half goals, the woodwork denying her on one occasion, with an earlier effort disallowed for an infringement of the square.

The one-way traffic continued after the break with Aishling Moloney racing through for goal number five after three minutes. Further goals followed from Caoimhe Condon (37), sub Angela McGuigan (45 & 58), Moloney (57 & 60) to round off a wonderful evening’s work by this very impressive Tipperary outfit.

Cahir’s Aishling Moloney was star of the show for Tipperary contributing 4-13 of their tally, only four points of which were from frees. She had a big hand in some of the other Tipp goals also in a performance that will take some replicating.

The work of Maria Curley, Samantha Lambert, Anna Rose Kennedy, Aisling McCarthy, and Roisin Daly was also of the highest calibre underlining the strength of the Tipp challenge to take provincial honours. Sterner tests lie ahead  for the Tipp ladies who recently retained their division one league status but right now they have to be optimistic looking to the future.

Junior All-Ireland champions in 2018 and beaten semi-finalists in the play-offs in division four of the National League, Limerick were expected to pose some problems for the Tipperary girls but they were clearly out of their class and will struggle to survive at this level of competition. To their credit they never gave up but their’s was a lost cause almost from the start. Ava Hartigan, Catriona Davis, Loretta Hanley, and Cathy Mee were their top performers but they have a difficult road ahead of them to survive in this grade.

Player of the Match: Aishling Moloney (Tipperary)

SCORERS:

Tipperary: Aishling Moloney 4-13 (0-4 frees); Angela McGuigan 2-0; Anna Rose Kennedy 1-2; Caoimhe Condon, Anna Carey, Ashling McCarthy 1-1 each; Roisin Daly 0-2; Laura Dillon, Caitlin Kennedy 0-1 each.

Limerick: Catriona Davis 0-2 (1 free); Ava Hartigan, Mairead Kavanagh 0-1 each.

TEAMS – Tipperary: Lauren Fitzpatrick; Lucy Spillane, Samantha Lambert, Niamh Martin; Brid Condon, Maria Curley, Caitlin Kennedy; Anna Rose Kennedy, Aisling McCarthy; Roisin Daly, Aishling Moloney, Caoimhe Condon; Courtney Lonergan, Anna Carey, Ava Fennessy.

Subs: Emma Cronin for L Spillane; Lauren Dillon for B Condon; Marie Creedon for Kennedy; Emma Morrissey for Lonergan; Angela McGuigan for Carey (all 40).

Limerick: Maire Lyons; Rebekah Daly, Ava Hartigan, Jenni O’Malley; Kristine Reidy, Niamh Ryan, Cathy Mee; Loretta Hanley, Megan O’Shea; Cliodhna Ni Cheallaigh, Mairead Kavanagh, Olivia Giltenane; Orlaith O’Donoghue, Catriona Davis, Caroline Hickey.

Subs: Ciara Ryan for O’Malley (18), Eimear Ryan for O’Donoghue (HT), Eimear Quinn for Giltenane (35), Amy Ryan for Daly (51), Siofra Keane for Kavanagh (53).

Round 2: Tipperary v Clare - Sean Tracey Park, Tipperary Town - May 25th

Tipperary 2-15 Clare 2-11 

Match Preview

Tipperary served notice of their Championship intentions with a massive Round 1 victory over Limerick at Semple Stadium.

The Premier County can now seal a place in the provincial decider when they welcome Clare to Sean Treacy Park in Tipperary town on Saturday (2.0).

Aishling Moloney was in sensational form for Tipp in their first outing, and she’s a player that the Banner County defence will have to keep a close eye on.

Tipp were relegated from the Senior grade last year but are targeting a swift return to the elite championship ranks.

They’re many people’s favourites to land the TG4 Munster and All-Ireland crowns – but Clare have presented stiff opposition to Tipperary through the years.

A very capable outfit in their own right, Clare will look to the leadership qualities of Laurie Ryan and the firepower of Niamh O’Dea as they look to spring a surprise.

Clare also arrive in Tipperary with the knowledge that even if they come up short in this one, they have another chance to claim a Munster Final slot when they face Limerick in Round 3.

Munster Final: Tipperary v Clare - Cappamore, Limerick (12.00pm)

Tipperary 0-20     Clare 1-4

 

Tipperary are the LGFA Intermediate Munster Champions after their decisive defeat of Clare in the Munster Final decider played in Cappamore on Sunday last June 16^th at 12 noon.

The sides are no strangers to each other having met in this provincial decider in 2016 and 2017 when Tipperary took the honours. However when the sides met in the opening round of this current championship Tipperary only defeated the reigning Munster Champions by four points.

The opening half was nip and tuck all the way and the sides were level mid-way through the half. However, a point each from Caoimhe Condon, Aishling McCarthy and Niamh Lonergan gave Tipperary a three point lead at the break when the scoreline read Tipperary 0-7 Clare 0-4.  Niamh O’Dea got Clare’s first three scores before Roisin Considine added another.

On the restart Tipperary were quick to stretch that lead with a point each from Aisling McCarthy and Aishling Moloney. However, Clare put themselves right back into this game when Niamh O’Dea was pulled down in the square as she advanced on goal. Clare’s Grainne Nolan converting the resulting penalty the scores now stood Tipperary 0-9 Clare 1-4. However, the penalty seemed to jolt Tipperary into life with a relentless wave of attacks on the Clare backs with Aishling Moloney leading the charge and stealing the show. The Cahir lady registering an individual tally of 0-10 from there until the end, putting Tipperary out of site.

Caoimhe Condon chipping in with a 0-1 of her own also near the end. Clare failed to register a single score after that 35^th minute penalty.  Tipperary were crowned Munster Champions and Captain Samantha Lambert was presented with the Enda McDonnell Memorial Cup by Fergal McDonnell. 

It’s on now for Tipperary into the All Ireland Round Robin series where they will be seeded, but must wait until the conclusion of the all the other provincial finals to know who and when they will be playing. One thing is certain it is going to be a busy month of July for Tipperary Ladies Football.

Teams and Scorers

Tipperary - Lauren Fitzpatrick (Ballymacarbry), Lucy Spillane (Fethard), Maria Curley (Templemore), Emma Cronin (Moyle Rovers), Niamh Martin (Sliabh na Mban), Samantha Lambert (Capt) (Ardfinnan), Orla O’Dywer (Boherlahan), Aisling McCarthy (Cahir), Anna Rose Kennedy (Aherlow), Ava Fennessy (Clonmel Commercials), Aisling Moloney ( 0-14)(Cahir), Courtney Lonergan (Clonmel Commercials), Caoimhe Condon (Brian Borus), Caitlin Kennedy (Aherlow), Niamh Lonergan (Sliabh na Mban). Subs used Roisin Daly (Moyne Templetouhy) for N. Lonergan, Emma Buckley (Cahir) for O. O’Dwyer, Emma Morrissey (Aherlow) for A.R. Kennedy

Scorers – Tipperary: Aishling Moloney 0-14, Niamh Lonergan 0-2, Caoimhe Condon 0-2, Aisling McCarthy 0-2

Clare - Ciara Harvey (West Clare Gaels), Eva O’Dea (Banner), Ellie O’Gorman (Kilmhil), Grainne Harvey (West Clare Gaels), Carol O’Leary (NewmarketonFergus), Laurie Ryan (Capt) Banner, Siofra Ni Chonaill (St. Joseph’s Doora Barefield), Aisling Reidy (St. Joseph’s Doora Barefield), Eimear O’Connor (Cuil Gaels), Rosin Considine (Liscannor), Grainne Nolan (Banner), Niamh O’Dea (Banner), Catriona Callinan (Kilmhil). Subs used Amy Sexton for L. Ryan,  Sara Bohannon for A. Reidy, Roisin Looney for E. O’Dea.

Scorers – Clare: Niamh O’Dea 0-3, Grainne Nolan 1-0, Roisin Considine 0-1

                  

All Ireland Championship - Round 1 Tipperary v Meath - Ardfinnan July 14th 2pm

Tipperary 6-10     Meath 1-14

Referee: Kevin Phelan (Laois).

Tipperary launched the first round of their Intermediate All Ireland campaign with a significant win over Meath on Sunday last July 14^th in Ardfinnan. 

Tipperary blitzed their visitors in the opening minute of the game when they bagged two goals in quick succession one each for Aishling Moloney and Angela McGuigan. Aisling McCarthy added 0-2 of her own and Caoimhe Condon put Tipp 3-2 to no score before Meath registered their first score in the 12^th minute when Emma Duggan goaled from a penalty. She quickly followed it up with a pointed free. Tipp though were in no mood for hanging around and in a fast paced move beginning with Caitlin Kennedy involving Niamh Lonergan and Aisling McCarthy charged back up the field again ending with  a Niamh Lonergan point. Tipp were relentless again McCarthy led the charge this time however the ball going wide. Meath were under pressure and from the resulting kickout Angela McGuigan and Aisling McCarthy launched the attack with the industrious Laura Dillon adding Tipp’s fourth goal in the 21^st minute. 

Tipp were now 4-3 to Meath’s 1-1. Emma Duggan added two more pointed frees whilst her team mate Megan Thyme added Meath’s only point from play in the half. Again Tipp launched their attack this time Anna Rose Kennedy finding Aishling Moloney who weaved her way throw the Meath defence setting up Angela McGuigan who netted her second goal of the game. Anna Carey wrapped up the scoring of the half for Tipp with a point while Emma Duggan pointed another free. The half time score read Tipperary 5-4 Meath 1-5.

On the restart it was Meath who were quicker to settle Emma Duggan scoring 0-4 (0-3 from frees ) in the opening ten minutes of the half. With just six minutes of ordinary time left Meath had the margin down to just 6 points with points from Emma Duggan (0-2), Kelsey Nesbitt (0-1) and Vikki Wall (0-1). Tipp registering just 0-3 (0-1) each for Caoimhe Condon, Aishling Moloney and Aisling McCarthy in the same period.  However an Aishling Moloney converted free seemed to jolt start the Tipp machine back into action. She followed this up with  a goal Tipp’s sixth and her own second to seal the victory with Emma Morrissey and Ava Fennessy (0-1) each wrapping up the scoring for Tipp. Final score was Tipperary 6-10 Meath 1-14.    

Watch all the goals here:

https://www.facebook.com/LadiesGaelicFootball/videos/844534289250876/ 

Teams and Scorers

Tipperary: Lauren Fitzpatrick (Ballymacarbry, Waterford), Lucy Spillane (Fethard), Maria Curley (Templemore), Emma Cronin (Moyle Rovers), Bríd Condon (Aherlow), Samantha Lambert (Ardfinnan), Caitlin Kennedy (Aherlow), Aisling McCarthy (Cahir, 0-3), Anna Rose Kennedy (Aherlow), Laura Dillon (Ardfinnan, 1-0), Aishling Moloney (Cahir, 2-2, 0-2 frees), Niamh Lonergan (Moyle Rovers, 0-1), Anna Carey (Clonmel Commercials, 0-1), Angela McGuigan (Sliabh na mBan, 2-0), Caoimhe Condon (Brian Ború’s, 1-1). Subs:  Ava Fennessy (Clonmel Commercials, 0-1) for Caitlin Kennedy, Elaine Fitzpatrick (Templemore) for Niamh Lonergan,  Róisín Daly (Moyne-Templetuohy) for Anna Carey,  Emma Morrissey (Aherlow, 0-1) for Caoimhe Condon,  Emma Buckley (Cahir) for Bríd Condon.

Meath: Monica McGuirk, Katie Newe, Sarah Powderly, Orlaith Duff, Aoinbhin Cleary, Shauna Ennis, Megan Thynne (0-1), Máire O’Shaughnessy, Kate Byrne, Orlagh Lally (0-1), Emma Duggan (1-10, 0-8 frees, 1-0 penalty), Orla Byrne, Bridgetta Lynch, Kelsey Nesbitt (0-1), Vikki Wall (0-1). Subs:  Megan O’Brien for Kate Byrne, Annie Moffatt for Orla Byrne, Fiona O’Neill for Bridgetta Lynch, Shelly Melia for Emma Duggan,  Niamh Sheridan for Orlaith Duff.

Samantha Lambert Interview https://www.facebook.com/LadiesGaelicFootball/videos/2331591030268106/

Anna Rose Kennedy Interview https://www.facebook.com/LadiesGaelicFootball/videos/1276202909204119/

Watch all the goals here: https://www.facebook.com/LadiesGaelicFootball/videos/844534289250876/ 

All Ireland Championship - Round 2 Tipperary v Longford - Sean Treacy Park, Tipp Town July 14th 2pm

Tipperary 7-22      Longford 2-4

Referee: Shane Curley (Galway)

 

Tipperary showed they are a class above when they out gunned Longford by a massive 33 points when the sides met in Sean Treacy Park, Tipperary on Sunday last July 21^st in the round 2 of the All Ireland Intermediate Championship. The home side who were hot favourites going into the tie didn’t disappoint. Tipp were keen to stamp their authority on this game from the outset and Aishling Moloney led the charge with the opening point of the game with less twenty seconds on the clock. Tipperary quickly added to this with points from Aishling Moloney (0-2), Brid Condon and Laura Dillon (0-1) to establish a 0-5 to 0-0 score. However Longford were battling hard and were to get their just rewards when Michelle Farrell breached the Tipp defence and goaling in the 14^th minute. Ava Fennessy responded at the opposite end with Aishling Moloney and Aisling McCarthy also adding another 0-1 each to cancel out that goal. However Longford again launched their attack and again Michelle Farrell found the net. This time Aisling McCarthy led the charge back up the field but her effort going wide in the end. It was from the resulting kick out which was intercepted by Anna Rose Kennedy and finished all the way to the net in the 22^nd minute that finally settled Tipperary into this game. Anna Rose’s goal was truly the beginning of the end for Longford as Tipperary launched a relentless attack which saw them register 3-4 without reply in a 9 minute period before the half time break with the scores coming from Aishling Moloney (1-3), Angela McGuigan (1-0) and Aisling McCarthy (1-1). The half time score read Tipperary 4-12 Longford 2-0.

On the resumption Tipperary continued where they left off with a points from Aisling Moloney (0-2), Aisling McCarthy (0-1) and Ava Fennessy (0-1). Longford’s Aoife Darcy registering Longford’s first point of the game in response. With just 10 minutes remaining in the game Tipperary were 4-19 to Longford’s 2-2, and again as they had done in the first half Tipperary kicked on registering 3-3 the goals one each from Emma Morrissey, Ava Fennessy and Aishling Moloney from her own converted penalty.  

The final score Tipperary 7-22 Longford 2-4.  Tipperary now face Wicklow in their final group game in Wicklow on Sunday next July 28^th. Time and venue to be confirmed

Teams and Scorers

 Tipperary: Lauren Fitzpatrick (Ballymacarbry), Emma Buckley (Cahir), Lucy Spillane (Fethard), Emma Cronin (Moyle Rovers), Bríd Condon (Aherlow, 0-1), Caitlin Kennedy (Aherlow), Samantha Lambert (Ardfinnan), Aisling McCarthy (Cahir, 1-5), Mary Rose Kennedy (Aherlow, 1-0), Róisín Daly (Moyne-Templetuohy, 0-1), Aishling Moloney (Cahir 2-11), Laura Dillon (Ardfinnan, 0-1), Anna Carey (Clonmel Commercials), Angela McGuigan (Sliabh na mBan, 1-1), Ava Fennessy (Clonmel Commercials, 1-2). Subs:  Emma Morrissey (Aherlow, 1-0) for Anna Carey, Niamh Martin (Sliabh na mBan) for Emma Cronin,  Orla Winston (Clonmel Commercials) for Samantha Lambert,  Katie Cunningham (Lattin-Cullen) for Angela McGuigan,  Elaine Fitzpatrick (Templemore) for Laura Dillon.

Longford: Emer Esler, Clare Farrell, Eimear O’Brien, Laura Gallagher, Aoife O’Brien, Orla Nevin, Emer Heaney, Mairéad Reynolds, Aisling McCormack, Ciara Healy, Michelle Farrell (2-0), Kara Shannon (0-1), Aoife Darcy (0-3), Aisling Greene, Anna McDonnell. Subs:  Niamh Darcy for Aoife O’Brien, Niamh Brady for Aisling McCormack,  Una Clarke for Clare Farrell, Aisling Cosgrove for Aisling Greene.

All Ireland Championship - Round 3 Tipperary v Wicklow - Dunlavin, Wicklow (1.00pm)

Tipperary 4-17          Wicklow 3-12 

Tipperary have had an unbeaten run in the All Ireland Championship and finished off the group stages on Sunday last with an eight point victory over Wicklow. Tipperary 4-17 Wicklow 3-12 the final score in Dunlavin.

It wasn’t all plain sailing for Tipperary though and at half time they were trailing by a point when the score stood at Tipperary 1-7 to Wicklow’s 2-5.  However with the introduction of  Aisling McCarthy and Aishling Moloney mid way through the second half Tipperary took control of the game.

Team and Scorers:

Tipperary - Rachel Sweeney, Niamh Martin, Maria Curley, Emma Buckley, Samantha Lambert, Emma Cronin, Orla Winston, Roisin Daly,(0-1) Elaine Fitzpatrick (0-2), Orla O’Dwyer (1-0), Emma Morrissey, Kate Cunningham, Niamh Lonergan (0-1), Laura Dillion (0-5), Caoimhe Condon. 

Subs used Aisling McCarthy(0-3) for C. Condon, Aisling Moloney (1-3) for O O’Dwyer,  Anna Carey (0-1) for E. Morrissey, Ava Fennessy (0-1) for N. Lonergan, Angela McGuigan (1-0) for E. Fitzpatrick.

Wicklow - Kim Connors (Blessington), Aine Byrne (Tinahely), Sarah Jane Winders (Baltinglass), Aoife Gillen (Bray Emeralds), Lorna Fusciardi (Foxrock Cabinteely), Aimee Maher (Tinahely), Tara Dowling Costello (Clan na Gael), Aoife Gorman (Tinahely), Sarah Delahunt (St. Patrick’s), Jackie Kinch (Tinahely), Laura Ahern (Foxrock Cabinteely) Maedbh Deeney (Thomas Davis), Marie Kealy (Baltinglass), Laura Hogan (Tinahely), Kate Hennessy (St. Patricks) subs used

All Ireland 1/4 Final - Aug 4th v Clare - Staker Wallace GAA Club

Tipperary 1-13 Clare 2-8

by Brian McDonnell Tipperary Star

All Ireland Semi Final - Aug 16th v Sligo - Nowlan Park 3pm

Tipperary 3-15 Sligo 3-5

Check out the match day programme: https://ladiesgaelic.ie/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Intermediate-semi-finals-.pdf 

Report By Daire Walsh At Nowlan Park

Tipperary booked their place in the TG4 All-Ireland Intermediate Championship decider on September 15 with an accomplished victory against Sligo at Nowlan Park, Kilkenny.

Thanks to star performances from Aisling McCarthy, Aishling Moloney and Caoimhe Condon, who top scored with 2-2, the Munster champions were full value for their victory. Sligo produced a spirited second period display, but ultimately fell to a fourth consecutive semi-final defeat.

Seeking a second title at this grade in just three years, Tipperary stormed ahead early on courtesy of unanswered points by Moloney, full-back Maria Curley, Condon and Angela McGuigan.

Check out Maria Curleys point here: https://twitter.com/i/status/1162727647635496962

Sligo eventually responded through Sarah Reynolds, but a rampant Tipperary continued to dominate proceedings as the action progressed. In between a brace of Moloney points, Condon rattled the net to move the Premier County eight points in front.

Check out the goal here: https://twitter.com/i/status/1162739849474007040

Sligo registered a succession of wides during the first-quarter and Sinead Naughton had to work extremely hard for a 13th-minute score. Tipperary, on the other hand, proved to be ruthlessly efficient in front of goal.

Check out the goal here: https://twitter.com/i/status/1162739959771598848

Influential midfielder McCarthy and Roisin Daly subsequently added their names to the scoresheet, preceding clinical three-pointers for McGuigan and Condon.

Even though Ciara Gorman breathed some life into the Sligo challenge with a composed finish beyond Lauren Fitzpatrick’s reach, a Moloney free ensured Tipperary brought a 3-10 to 1-2 cushion into the interval.

Despite the heavy deficit they were facing into Sligo played with great heart on the resumption. Following traded frees from Elaine O’Reilly and Moloney, substitute Stephanie O’Reilly unleashed an unstoppable shot to the roof of the Tipperary net.

Another McCarthy point got Shane Ronayne’s side back on track, only for a sublime Lauren Boles strike to raise another green flag for Sligo on the third-quarter mark. While this offered a different look to the scoreboard, Tipperary were never truly in danger of their letting their lead slip.

McCarthy and Katie Cunningham found the target in quick succession to keep them in pole position for a final spot. Boles and Gorman claimed back-to-back points for the Yeats outfit at the opposite end, but it was Tipperary who had the final say through Moloney’s sixth point of the contest. They will now face the winner of today’s second semi-final between Roscommon and Meath at the same venue.

Scorers – Tipperary: C Condon 2-2, A Moloney 0-6 (4f), A McGuigan 1-1, A McCarthy 0-3, M Curley 0-1, R Daly 0-1, K Cunningham 0-1.

Sligo: L Boles 1-1, C Gorman 1-1 (1f), S O’Reilly 1-0, E O’Reilly 0-1 (1f), S Reynolds 0-1, S Naughton 0-1.

Tipperary: L Fitzpatrick; L Spillane, M Curley, E Cronin; B Condon, S Lambert, C Kennedy; A McCarthy, AR Kennedy; R Daly, A Moloney, N Lonergan; C Condon, A McGuigan, L Dillon
Subs: A Fennessy for Lonergan (39), K Cunningham for Dillon (39), A Carey for McGuigan (45), E Morrissey for Daly (50).

Sligo: N Gormley; C Dunne, G O’Loughlin, J Mulligan; B Byrne, R Goodwin, AM Coleman; S Regan, LA Laffey; S Reynolds, S McTiernan, S Naughton; E O’Reilly, C Gorman, L Casey
Subs: L Boles for McTiernan (23), S O’Reilly for Casey (23), M McNamara for Coleman (28), R Monaghan for E O’Reilly (50).

Ref: Kevin Phelan (Laois).

Dream day for Tipperary winning Intermediate title

Player of the Match 

https://twitter.com/i/status/1162749750862667776

Tipperary secured an immediate return to the senior ranks after Angela McGuigan and Aisling McCarthy goals and eight points from the outstanding Aishling Moloney gave them a second TG4 All-Ireland Intermediate title in three years.

A Fiona O'Neill goal meant Meath only trailed by one point at the break, but a splendid rearguard display from Tipp held them to five points in the second-half and inflicted a second straight final loss on Eamonn Murray’s side.

In the build up to this game it was expected that two attack-minded teams were going head to head and after a fluid opening half their talents were there for everyone to see.

The first score arrived from Aoibhín Cleary after 16 seconds, the last of the first-half came in the 30th minute from Aisling McCarthy and in between play flowed from one end to the other and scores arrived regularly.

Despite falling behind to that first-minute score Tipperary took charge of the encounter quickly and with Orla O’Dwyer and Caitlín Kennedy driving forward they tagged on four unanswered points.

A brilliant save from Monica McGuirk denied O’Dwyer a goal, but her shot deflected over, while Moloney, Caoimhe Condon and McCarthy all found the target for Tipp.

A senior team last season, it appeared as if Tipp’s top-flight experience was trumping Meath’s exciting promise, but Murray’s side began to find their feet.

Vikki Wall scored following a trademark powerful run and Emma Duggan landed her first soon after, but two more Moloney points meant Tipp held a 0-06 to 0-03 lead by the 14th minute.

Tipp didn’t take all their scoring chances though and as a result Meath’s slick forwards soon had them back in touch.

Fiona O’Neill’s point and two Duggan frees had the gap down to one point 11 minutes from the interval, and six minutes later Bridgetta Lynch picked out O’Neill with a floated kick-pass and she found the top corner for a 1-08 to 0-09 lead.

When Meath followed the goal with a Kelsey Nesbitt point, Tipp could have panicked, but they showed their champion credentials when O’Dwyer and Eva Fennessey sent McGuigan clear and she cut back on her right side and rattled a goal for a 1-10 to 1-09 half-time lead for Tipp.

Despite the tricky wind in the first-half, both teams coped well, but as the misty rain descended for the start of the second-half the players began to struggle.

Tipp certainly bossed the opening ten minutes of the half but after shooting four wides they didn’t add to their tally, while in their first attack Meath’s Lynch levelled the scores in the 40th minute.

Moloney was responsible for three of those Tipp wides, but she was quickly moved into full-forward and a point arrived immediately.

Then from the kick-out O’Dwyer intercepted Sarah Powderly’s pass, and via Moloney, McCarthy ran through and hit the net. An O’Dwyer point then had Tipp 2-12 to 1-10 ahead after a blistering two-minute spell.

Meath kept battling though and a hard-fought point from Duggan added to their tally, but Moloney and Fennessey scores guaranteed Tipp an easy finale.

Tipperary: L Fitzpatrick; L Spillane, M Curley, E Cronin; S Lambert (c), B Condon, C Kennedy; A McCarthy, A.R. Kennedy; O O’Dwyer, A Moloney, N Lonergan; A Fennessy, A McGuigan, C Condon

Subs: L Dillon for Cronin (h-t), R Daly for Condon (43), O Winston for McGuigan (50)

Meath: M McGuirk; K Newe, O Duff, S Powderly; O Byrne, S Wall, S Ennis; M O’Shaughnessy (c), A Cleary; V Wall, M Thynne, E Duggan; F O’Neill, B Lynch, K Nesbitt.

Subs: O Lally for Powderly (46), S Grimes for Duggan (47), M O’Brien for Byrne (47), N Gallogly for Ennis (56), E White for S Wall (58)

Scorers – Tipperary: A Moloney 0-8 (1f), A McCarthy 1-2, A McGuigan 1-1, O O'Dwyer 0-2, C Condon 0-1, C Kennedy 0-1, A Fennessey 0-1

Meath: E Duggan 0-5 (3f), V Wall 0-4, F O’Neill 1-1, A Cleary 0-1, K Nesbitt 0-1, B Lynch 0-1, S Grimes 0-1 (1f)

Referee: Jonathan Murphy (Carlow)

---

Tipperary defeated Meath by 2-16 to 1-14 in the TG4 All-Ireland Intermediate Ladies Football Championship Final on Sunday September 15th at Croke Park. 

Tipperary 2-16 Meath 1-14

By DECLAN ROONEY at CROKE PARK

Tipperary secured an immediate return to the Senior ranks after Angela McGuigan and Aisling McCarthy goals and eight points from the outstanding Aishling Moloney gave them a second TG4 All-Ireland Intermediate title in three years.

A Fiona O’Neill goal meant Meath only trailed by one point at the break, but a splendid rearguard display from Tipp held them to five points in the second-half and inflicted a second straight final loss on Eamonn Murray’s side.

In the build up to this game it was expected that two attack-minded teams were going head to head and after a fluid opening half their talents were there for everyone to see. The first score arrived from Aoibhín Cleary after 16 seconds, the last of the first-half came in the 30th minute from Aisling McCarthy and in between play flowed from one end to the other and scores arrived regularly.

Despite falling behind to that first-minute score Tipperary took charge of the encounter quickly and with Orla O’Dwyer and Caitlín Kennedy driving forward they tagged on four unanswered points. A brilliant save from Monica McGuirk denied O’Dwyer a goal, but her shot deflected over, while Moloney, Caoimhe Condon and McCarthy all found the target for Tipp.

A Senior team last season, it appeared as if Tipp’s top flight experience was trumping Meath’s exciting promise, but Murray’s side began to find their feet. Vikki Wall scored following a trademark powerful run and Emma Duggan landed her first soon after, but two more Moloney points meant Tipp held a 0-6 to 0-3 lead by the 14th minute.

Tipp didn’t take all their scoring chances though and as a result Meath’s slick forwards soon had them back in touch. Fiona O’Neill’s point and two Duggan frees had the gap down to one point 11 minutes from the interval, and six minutes later Bridgetta Lynch picked out O’Neill with a floated kickpass and she found the top corner for a 1-8 to 0-9 lead.

When Meath followed the goal with a Kelsey Nesbitt point Tipp could have panicked, but they showed their champion credentials when O’Dwyer and Eva Fennessey sent McGuigan clear and she cut back on her right side and rattled a goal for a 1-10 to 1-9 half-time lead for Tipp.

Despite the tricky wind in the first-half both teams coped well, but as the misty rain descented for the start of the second-half the players began to struggle. Tipp certainly bossed the opening ten minutes of the half but after shooting four wides they didn’t add to their tally, while in their first attack Meath’s Lynch levelled the scores in the 40th minute.

Moloney was responsible for three of those Tipp wides, but she was quickly moved into full-forward and a point arrived immediately. Then from the kick-out O’Dwyer intercepted Sarah Powderly’s pass, and via Moloney, McCarthy ran through and hit the net. An O’Dwyer point then had Tipp 2-12 to 1-10 ahead after a blistering two minute spell.

Meath kept battling though and a hard-fought point from Duggan added to their tally, but Moloney and Fennessey scores guaranteed Tipp an easy finale.

Scorers – Tipperary: A Moloney 0-8 (1f), A McCarthy 1-2, A McGuigan 1-1, O O’Dwyer 0-2, C Condon 0-1, C Kennedy 0-1, A Fennessey 0-1.

Meath: E Duggan 0-5 (3f), V Wall 0-4, F O’Neill 1-1, A Cleary 0-1, K Nesbitt 0-1, B Lynch 0-1, S Grimes 0-1 (1f).

Tipperary: L Fitzpatrick; L Spillane, M Curley, E Cronin; S Lambert (c), B Condon, C Kennedy; A McCarthy, A.R. Kennedy; O O’Dwyer, A Moloney, N Lonergan; A Fennessy, A McGuigan, C Condon.
Subs: L Dillon for Cronin (h-t), R Daly for Condon (43), O Winston for McGuigan (50).

Meath: M McGuirk; K Newe, O Duff, S Powderly; O Byrne, S Wall, S Ennis; M O’Shaughnessy (c), A Cleary; V Wall, M Thynne, E Duggan; F O’Neill, B Lynch, K Nesbitt.
Subs: O Lally for Powderly (46), S Grimes for Duggan (47), M O’Brien for Byrne (47), N Gallogly for Ennis (56), E White for S Wall (58).

Referee: Jonathan Murphy (Carlow).