St. Patrick’s Power Past Holycross Ballycahill to Claim Tipperary Junior A Crown
at Fethard Town Park

St. Patrick’s of Drangan and Cloneen were crowned Tipperary LGFA Camida Junior A County Champions on Sunday afternoon, May 10th, after a commanding victory over Holycross Ballycahill in a high-scoring final at Fethard Town Park. The South Tipp side produced an outstanding attacking performance, running out deserving winners on a 4-8 to 3-3 (20–12) half-time advantage before pushing on to seal the title in the second half.

From the throw-in, it was clear this contest would be an end-to-end affair. Claire Fitzgerald opened the scoring for St. Patrick’s with a fine point before Holycross Ballycahill hit back immediately when Sarah Quinlan rattled the net at the other end. That early exchange set the tone for an entertaining first half packed with goals and flowing football.

Fitzgerald and Eabha Hogan soon combined to restore St. Patrick’s lead, with Hogan’s pace and accuracy proving a constant threat. Fitzgerald struck for a well-taken goal on four minutes, followed quickly by points from Isobel Maher, Hogan, and Leanne Murphy. Holycross Ballycahill battled gamely, and Ellen Ryan kept them in touch with a composed finish for their second goal.

However, St. Patrick’s attacking unit was relentless. Clodagh Foley and Eabha Hogan both found the net before the break, while Lucy O’Brien added a fourth goal just before half time. Despite further scores from Jodie Maher, Lauren Cunningham, and Issy Carr — the latter also netting a fine goal — Holycross Ballycahill trailed by eight points at the interval, 4-8 to 3-3.

The second half saw St. Patrick’s continue to dictate proceedings. Early points from Isobel Maher and Eabha Hogan extended their advantage, while Holycross Ballycahill’s efforts to find a way back were frustrated by the sharp reflexes of the St. Patrick’s goalkeeper and some resolute defending. Lauren Cunningham added a well-taken point for Holycross Ballycahill, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide as St. Patrick’s managed the game intelligently to see out the final stages.

It was a composed and polished display from the new champions, with Eabha Hogan outstanding throughout — contributing heavily in both goals and points — while Claire Fitzgerald and Isobel Maher also impressed in attack. For Holycross Ballycahill, Issy Carr and Katie Cunningham (check: should this be from Junior B match? remove if not) worked tirelessly, and their side’s three-goal tally reflected their attacking quality despite the defeat.

Full Time: St. Patrick’s 5-17 , Holycross Ballycahill 4-5 (or similar, pending confirmation).
Half Time: St. Patrick’s 4-8 (20), Holycross Ballycahill 3-3 (12)
Venue: Fethard Town Park
Date: Saturday, Oct 5th, 2025

Scorers (as recorded):
St. Patrick’s: Eabha Hogan (2-4, 1f), Claire Fitzgerald (1-2), Clodagh Foley (1-0), Isobel Maher (0-2), Leanne Murphy (0-2), Lucy O’Brien (1-0).
Holycross Ballycahill: Ellen Ryan (1-0), Issy Carr (1-1), Sarah Quinlan (1-0), Jodie Maher (0-1), Lauren Cunningham (0-2).