Camogie Division 1A National League Round 2
Tipperary 0-16 Kilkenny 1-8
By Tom Egan
Kilkenny’s senior camogie girls came up short after a battling performance in the Ragg against Tipperary last Saturday afternoon. On the balance of play, Tipperary deserved the win as they showed greater levels of composure for longer periods and found scores easier to come by particularly in the middle quarters of the match. The Kilkenny girls will be disappointed to have been edged out but they will know that better days could lie ahead later this year as many girls new to this level get more familiar with what is required – and the girls certainly showed plenty of spirit particularly in the final quarter of this match which also augers well for the months ahead.
On a dry pleasant afternoon with very little wind blowing, this match was delayed almost 30 minutes due to unexpected delays in referee Justin Heffernan arriving at the venue, and both sides took time to settle after proceedings got underway. Kilkenny started with a two person full forward line of Katie Nolan and Aoife Prendergast the opening exchanges saw both sides trade points from Aoife Prendergast (KK, 1 from play, 1 free) and Grace O’Brien (T, 2 frees) to leave the score at 0-2 each after ten minutes. Niamh Deely who was a late addition to the starting 15 was showing well as an extra player around the middle of the pitch at this time. However, Tipperary’s half-backline led by Mairead Eviston than started to get on top and they started to take over proceedings – and scores from Caoimhe Maher (2), Roisin Howard, Niamh Treacy and a Grace O’Brien free saw them lead by 0-7 to 0-3 by the 23rd minute. The relatively soft underfoot conditions seemed to catch the Kilkenny girls out at this time as a number of Kilkenny possessions were overturned leading to Tipperary scores. The Kilkenny girls were boosted by an excellent point from the lively Laura Murphy in the 23rd minute but the only remaining score of the half was a Tipperary free by Grace O’Brien and indeed Tipperary were guilty of a number of wides close to half time which could have increased the lead beyond the 0-8 to 0-4 scoreline which was the tally at the break.
The second half saw Kilkenny introduce Kellyann Doyle and Laura Greene but this didn’t have the desired impact in the third quarter as Tipperary had a further period of dominance on the scoreboard with further scores from Clodagh McIntyre (2) and Grace O’Brien (2) to stretch the lead out to 0-12 to 0-4 by the 48th minute. Kilkenny were making little headway in attack at this time although three further substitutions (Caoimhe Keher-Murtagh, Danielle Quigley, and Claire Doheny) then breathed new life into the team. Points followed from three Aoife Prendergast frees between the 48th and 51st minute and when Caoimhe Keher-Murtagh applied a smart finish to the net in the 53rd minute, the deficit was now down to one score (0-13 (T) to 1-7 (KK)). Kilkenny continued to push hard with strong support on the sideline from manager Tommy Shefflin but were unable to get the margin to less than three points in the closing minutes – and Claire Doheny’s fine score in the 57th minute proved to be their last score before Tipperary closed out the win with late scores from Roisin Howard and a Grace O’Brien free.
Tipperary showed greater levels of composure for longer periods which probably reflects the longer period that their panel of players have been playing at this level – while Kilkenny will feel that despite this loss, the transition to a new panel of players replacing recently retired players is now well underway. Best for a Kilkenny side on the day were Aoife Norris in goal, defenders Michelle Teehan and Laura Murphy while Niamh Deely and substitute Laura Greene also showed well. As a forward unit, they did struggle in the middle part of this match until the arrival of substitutions in the final quarter. The spirit shown in the final quarter will be an encouragement to all for the matches ahead – although it doesn’t get any easier with an away fixture against All Ireland champions Cork next up on Saturday 8th March.
It should also be noted that referee Justin Heffernan had a fine match after his late arrival and he tried to let the game flow as much as possible despite the relatively soft conditions which saw a number of rucks for possession over the hour.
Tipperary: Laura Leenane, Niamh Costigan, Julieanne Bourke, Eimear Loughman, Caoimhe McCarthy, Mairead Eviston, Clodagh Quirke, Casey Hennessy (0-1), Niamh Treacy (0-1), Roisin Howard (0-2), Clodagh McIntyre (0-2), Eimear Heffernan, Caoimhe Maher (0-3), Grace O’Brien (0-7, 5F, 1 45).
Kilkenny: Aoife Norris, Michelle Teehan, Tiffanie Fitzgerald, Ava Brett, Laura Murphy (0-1), Caoimhe Dowling, Miriam Bambrick, Aobha O’Gorman, Katie Byrne (0-1), Aha McHardy, Steffi Fitzgerald, Mary O’Connell, Aoife Prendergast (0-5, 0-4F), Katie Nolan, Niamh Delly. Subs: Kellyann Doyle, Laura Greene, Danielle Quigley, Caoimhe Keher-Murtagh (1-0), Claire Doheny (0-1), Carlise Comerford.
Referee: Justin Heffernan
