MLGFA U16A Championship – Round 2

Clare U16 3–14 (23) – Tipperary U16 8–9 (33)

Played 1 March 2026

Tipperary produced a stunning second-half comeback to defeat Clare in a high-scoring and entertaining MLGFA U16A Championship Round 2 clash on Sunday afternoon. Clare had dominated much of the first half and led comfortably at the break, but Tipp’s extraordinary haul of six second-half goals turned the contest completely on its head as they ran out ten-point winners.

Despite the margin, this was a fiercely competitive game, packed with attacking quality, momentum swings, and standout individual displays on both sides.

First Half: Clare in Command Early, Keane Strikes Twice

Clare made a blistering start. Aoibhín Keane struck the net inside 35 seconds, and Clare followed with points from Lucy Watson, Caoimhe McMahon, and Simone Considine, moving 1-3 to 0-0 ahead before Tipp settled.

Tipperary responded through a free and a well-taken goal from Emma Cullinan, but Clare continued to control the half. Keane rattled in her second goal at 08:22, and with further scores from Watson and McMahon, Clare opened a deserved eight-point lead.

Despite wides from Michaela Sexton, Considine, and McMahon, Clare’s attacking rhythm kept Tipp pinned back. Tipperary’s Rebecca Hewitt found a crucial goal at 11:33, but Clare finished the half the stronger, adding points from Considine and Watson.

Half-Time Score:

Clare U16 – 2-10 (16)
Tipperary U16 – 2-2 (8)

Second Half: Tipp Detonate Six Goals

The game turned dramatically after the restart.

Clare opened with points from McMahon and Considine, but Tipp struck a devastating double-blow through Kate Molumby (7:17) and Emma Neary (7:46)—two goals in under 30 seconds.

Clare steadied through McMahon and Considine, but Tipp sensed vulnerability and pushed relentlessly.

Tipperary’s second-half goal scorers:

• Emma Neary

• Kate Molumby

• Rebecca Hewitt (two goals, including a brilliant finish at 29:39)

• Zoe Duggan

• Lily Gillespie

With each major score, Tipp’s confidence grew. Their substitutions—Moran, O’Sullivan, Gillespie and Harris—added fresh pace and physicality, and Tipp suddenly looked unstoppable going forward.

Clare struck their third goal through Caoimhe McMahon at 19:15, trying to ignite a late rally, but the visitors responded almost immediately with more goals and key points from Emma Cullinan and Farrah Madigan.

Clare continued to chip away through Considine and McMahon, but wides and Tipp’s ability to break quickly ultimately left too much ground to make up.

Full-Time Score:

Clare U16 – 3-14 (23)

Tipperary U16 – 8-9 (33)

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.