Heartbreak for Tipperary as Clare Claim Munster Minor B Title

It was a day of disappointment for Tipperary as Clare clinched the Munster LGFA Minor B Championship with a decisive 5-6 (21) to 1-12 (15) victory. Despite showing tremendous resilience and fighting spirit, Tipperary were ultimately undone by Clare's sharpness in front of goal.

The match, played under ideal conditions, started poorly for Tipperary, who were stunned by early Clare goals from Abi Kelly and Leah Daly. Tipperary's Lily Maher kept hopes alive, reliably converting frees, while Molly Crowe worked tirelessly to generate scoring chances from open play.

By halftime, Tipperary faced a daunting deficit of 4-3 (15) to 0-7 (7). Clare's clinical finishing had left Tipperary with a steep mountain to climb, particularly after goals from Abi Kelly, Leah Daly, and Aoibheann Ryan exposed defensive frailties.

The second half saw a spirited response from Tipperary, with Aoife Shelly raising hopes through an inspirational goal in the 6th minute. Shelly, alongside Lily Maher and Emma Kiely, spearheaded a determined attempt to claw back the deficit, closing the gap steadily.

But Clare struck a decisive blow with Shannon Cagney’s goal late in the game, ending Tipperary’s mounting momentum. Despite commendable points from Emma Kiely and Aoife Shelly, Clare held firm.

For Tipperary, standout performances from Aoife Shelly, Lily Maher, and Molly Crowe provided silver linings, but these were ultimately overshadowed by the bitter taste of defeat. Clare's Aine McNamara’s performance from play and frees further highlighted the defensive challenges Tipperary faced throughout the encounter.

The final whistle brought celebration for Clare but deep disappointment for a Tipperary side that had fought bravely yet fell just short in their quest for Munster glory.