Lidl NFL Division 4 – Match Report

Tipperary 1–12 (15)
Monaghan 1–12 (15)
22 February 2026

Tipperary and Monaghan shared the spoils in a gripping Lidl NFL Division 4 clash that swung dramatically with the wind. Tipperary dominated the opening period with the breeze at their backs, but Monaghan mounted a superb second-half comeback — featuring two crucial 2-pointers — before a last-kick free from Emma Morrissey salvaged a draw for the home side.

First Half

With a strong wind at their backs, Tipperary seized control from the throw-in. Monaghan’s early fouls allowed Emma Morrissey to build the scoreboard through a steady stream of frees.

Tipperary’s forwards thrived in the favourable conditions: Lauren Cunningham, Niamh Martin, Sarah English, and Morrissey all found the target, while long deliveries repeatedly kept Monaghan pinned deep.

The half’s major moment arrived on 17:38, when Cunningham finished clinically to the net after a sweeping attack, stretching Tipperary’s lead.

Monaghan, battling the wind, struggled to sustain possession. Although Chloe McBride and Leanne Maguire did register points, several attempts were blown off target and scoring opportunities were limited.

At the break, Tipperary held what looked like an unassailable advantage:
Half-time: Tipperary 1–11 (14), Monaghan 0–1 (1)

Second Half

Now playing with the wind, Monaghan returned to the field a transformed team. They immediately lifted the tempo, with Maguire, Chloe McBride, and Casey Treanor leading the charge.

The wind-assisted comeback exploded into life at 12:50, when McBride fired over a brilliantly struck 2-pointer from a free, the ball riding the gusts perfectly.

Tipperary tried hard to score, but Monaghan were now flooding forward, boosted by their full quota of 12 legitimate substitutions, which brought fresh legs and intensity.

Their second 2-pointer, expertly delivered by Leanne Maguire at 27:27, narrowed the gap further and rattled Tipperary’s confidence.

Monaghan looked to have completed the turnaround on 30:54, when Sarah Tierney pounced for a well-taken goal from play, edging them into the lead for the first time in the contest.

Final Moments

Tipperary pushed desperately for an equaliser in the closing minute. After sustained pressure inside the Monaghan ’45, they earned a free in a central position.

With the final play of the game, Emma Morrissey stepped up and showed superb composure to drive the ball over the bar — securing a draw at the death.

Full-Time

Tipperary 1–12 (15)
Monaghan 1–12 (15)

Summary

A game shaped by the elements and defined by momentum swings:

• Tipperary had the better of the opening half, using the strong wind to build a 13-point lead.

• Monaghan produced a storming second-half comeback, powered by two 2-pointers, a Tierney goal, and smart rotation through all 12 substitutions.

• Morrissey, with ice-cold nerves, ensured Tipperary claimed a deserved share of the spoils with the very last kick.

A thrilling encounter that neither side deserved to lose.

https://www.vincentflynnphoto.com/Laddies-Football/2026/Tipperary-v-Monaghan-League-RD-4