Munster U16 SOK (Sharon O Keeffe) Championship Rd 2

Clare SOK 1–7 (10) – Tipperary SOK 1–12 (15)

Match played on 1 March 2026

Tipperary claimed a deserved but hard-earned five-point win over Clare in Round 2 of the Munster U16 SOK Championship on Sunday afternoon, edging an intense contest that swung repeatedly in momentum but was ultimately decided by Tipp’s greater accuracy and composure in the closing stages.

The sides were level at half-time, 0–5 apiece, after a fiercely competitive first half in which both teams produced strong passages of play but also racked up wides and conceded frees under pressure. Tipp, however, found the crucial scoring burst in the final quarter, including a decisive goal from Ella O’Donnell, to seal victory.

First Half: Evenly Matched, Nothing Between the Sides

Clare opened the scoring through Elke Downes, who converted early frees and added a fine point from play at 26:06, while Caera McMahon and other Clare forwards asked questions of the Tipp defence. However, wides at important moments—six in the first half alone—prevented Clare from building momentum.

Tipperary were more economical in open play, with Lauren Trehey and Kitty O’Meara registering key points. Róisín Browne was reliable from both frees and play, notching several scores in a half where Tipp also earned multiple frees inside scoring range.

Both teams conceded numerous frees under pressure, a sign of the intensity around the middle third. Tipp made the first change of the afternoon when Isla Comerford was replaced by Anna Leahy after 24 minutes.

At the interval, the scoreboard read:

Half-Time:

Clare 0–5 (5)
Tipperary 0–5 (5)

Nothing separated the sides—an accurate reflection of a tight, physical half.

Second Half: Tipp Pull Away After Key Goal

Clare struck first after the break with a point from play, but Tipperary quickly replied through Anna Leahy and Mia Cody, who both found space as Tipp began to break the tackle more effectively.

Turnovers dominated the early second-half exchanges, particularly from Tipperary, who lost possession twice in succession inside the opening five minutes, but Clare failed to punish them fully.

A crucial moment arrived at 17:18, when Ella O’Donnell buried a goal from play, giving Tipp a lead they would not relinquish. This score ignited the Tipperary attack, and points followed from Kitty O’Meara, Róisín Browne (from frees), and Leahy again.

Clare battled bravely and found their own lifeline at 22:16, when Lauren Morrissey struck a goal from play, narrowing the gap and bringing the home support to life. However, wides at 24:13, 25:54, 26:23 and a series of conceded frees stalled their comeback effort.

Tipp’s bench contributed well, with Sophie Strang, Sophie O’Toole and Caoimhe Lacey all introduced in the second half as the visitors sought fresh legs to maintain their advantage.

In the closing minutes, Tipperary steadied themselves with late points from Anna Leahy and Róisín Browne, while Clare were forced into long-range attempts that drifted wide.

The full-time whistle confirmed a well-earned Tipp win:

Full-Time:

Clare SOK 1–7 (10)
Tipperary SOK 1–12 (15)

Thanks to Our Sponsors

Tipperary LGFA Minors wish to extend sincere thanks to our valued sponsors:

• Amneal

• Quilter

• Premier Self Storage

Their continued support is greatly appreciated and plays a vital role in enabling our programme.