Moloney Stars as Tipperary Secure Division 2 Status in Roscommon

Tipperary's senior ladies footballers secured their Division 2 status for next year with an impressive and determined performance against Roscommon in Round 7 of the Lidl Ladies National Football League. Played in Roscommon, the match was defined by a standout performance from Tipperary’s Aishling Moloney, whose accuracy in front of goal proved crucial in sealing a hard-earned victory.

Roscommon made a confident start, immediately putting the visitors under pressure. Laura Mannion opened the scoring after just 3 minutes with a fine point from play, setting an energetic pace for the hosts. However, Tipperary quickly settled into the match, matching Roscommon's early intensity.

Aishling Moloney, central to Tipperary’s attacking threat, swiftly responded with a well-taken point at the 4-minute mark, highlighting her significance to Tipp’s offensive play. Roscommon continued to press and added further points through Marian Nolan (5 mins) and Aisling Hanly (8 mins), momentarily unsettling Tipperary’s defensive setup. Yet, Tipp remained resilient, despite early wides from Moloney (7 mins) and Emma Morrissey (10 mins), maintaining composure in possession and steadily regaining confidence as the half progressed.

Moloney’s consistent free-taking kept Tipperary ticking over, complemented by crucial contributions from teammates Caoimhe Condon (17 mins) and Morrissey (20 mins), who found her accuracy at key moments. Roscommon, while threatening, struggled with consistency in front of goal, notably when Caoimhe Lennon (12 mins, 29 mins) and Hanly (11 mins) missed valuable scoring opportunities. Despite their defensive solidity, Roscommon failed to capitalize on Tipperary’s early hesitance, allowing the visitors to level the score at six points apiece by halftime.

The second half commenced with renewed intensity from Tipperary. Morrissey opened the scoring soon after the restart at 33 minutes, highlighting Tipperary's intent. The pivotal moment of the match arrived at the 40-minute mark when Moloney unleashed a decisive shot that hit the back of the Roscommon net, providing Tipperary with crucial breathing room.

With confidence visibly lifted by Moloney’s goal, Tipperary asserted greater control. Caitlin Kennedy extended Tipp’s lead at 43 minutes, exploiting spaces opened up by Roscommon’s increased urgency. The hosts responded tactically with substitutions, introducing fresh legs with Niamh Feeney replacing Abby Curran (41 mins), Ciara Quinn on for Shannon McGuinness (53 mins), Megan Kelly replacing Rachel Brady (54 mins), and Amy Malone on for Marian Nolan (54 mins).

Despite their best efforts, Roscommon’s scoring opportunities remained limited by a resolute Tipperary defence. Mannion, a standout performer, rallied her side with points at 52 and 56 minutes, yet Roscommon struggled to sustain prolonged offensive pressure.

Moloney continued her scoring spree, adding critical points from open play and placed balls (47, 56, and 62 mins), exemplifying her role as a key player. Tipp introduced substitutes Sinead O’Carroll (50 mins for Caoimhe Condon), Neassa Towey (56 mins for Aoibhe O'Shea), and Ava Fennessy (59 mins for Clara English), each contributing to maintaining Tipp's momentum.

As the final whistle approached, Moloney fittingly sealed the result with clinical frees at 61 and 63 minutes, capping off an outstanding personal and team performance. With a final score of 1-12 to 0-10, Tipperary emerged deserved winners, securing their place in Division 2 for next season.

The victory showcased Tipperary’s resilience, determination, and tactical maturity, particularly in responding to early pressure. Central to this victory was Moloney, whose 1-7 contribution reinforced her status as one of the competition’s most prolific forwards, setting the stage for Tipperary to build upon this solid league campaign next season.