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Camogie
Michael O’Leary
Tipperary 0-13
Kilkenny 1-3
THERE was bitter disappointment for the Kilkenny under-16 camogie team when they were overpowered by hugely motivated and physically strong Tipperary in the All-Ireland semi-final at the Ragg on Saturday.
Kilkenny, backed by the breeze, failed to make any great impression and they were fortunate to be trailing by a solitary point (0-6 to 1-2) at the interval. From an early stage Tipperary looked the stronger and under the guidance of former great, Noelle Kennedy they produced a performance of real substance.
Their defensive unit was brilliantly inspired by the game’s best performer, full-back Caoimhe Maher. The Kilkenny attack found the opposing defence a lot tougher than the pick of their previous opponents, Wexford and Dublin.
Michaela Graham opened the scoring with a point in the 8th minute before Kate Holland finally opened Kilkenny’s account with a superb leveller on 15 minutes. Ciara Holden (free) and Aoife Ryan exchanged points in the 17th and 19th minutes before the victors added further points from Tara Kennedy and Aoife Ryan (2, one free) approaching half-time.
However, Kilkenny gained a large slice of good fortune when Lydia Fitzpatrick’s long range shot deceived the Tipperary goalkeeper and the ball ended up in the net (1-2 to 0-5).
The tenacious Ciara McGrath restored Tipperary’s lead with a point in injury-time to conclude the first half scoring. After the turn, Tipp whipped up a storm. Aoife Ryan pointed three frees to extend the difference to 0-9 to 1-2.
Kilkenny refused to yield despite their struggles and they scored a badly needed point in the 45th minute. Ciara Holden was unmarked in front of goal and she had a chance at goal brilliantly smother by Caoimhe Maher at the expense of a 45, which she converted (0-9 to 1-3).
Kelly Hamilton was unlucky with a chance to narrow the gap before Tipperary regained the initative with further points from Aoife Ryan (3) and midfielder Sarah Fryday to wrap-up a deserved victory.
Kilkenny’s best performers were Laura Dunne, Julie Anne Malone and Lydia Fitzpatrick, but no one could dispute the superiority of Tipperary who were simply too strong.
Scorers: Tipperary - Aoife Ryan (0-10, six frees, one 45); Michaela Graham, Tara Kennedy, Sarah Fryday (0-1 each).
Kilkenny - Lydia Fitzpatrick (1-0); Ciara Holden (0-2, one free, one 45); Kate Holland (0-1).
Kilkenny - Aine Kinsella (Mullinavat), Sarah Crowley (Mooncoin), Laura Dunne (Danesfort), Maureen Walsh (St Lachtain’s), Niamh Phelan (Windgap), Julie Anne Malone (Mullinavat), Kelly Hamilton (Rower-Inistioge), Lydia Fitzpatrick (St Lachtain’s), Miriam Walsh (Tullaroan), Orla Hanrick, capt (Dicksboro), Kate Holland (Lisdowney), Siobhan Corcoran (St Anne’s), Emma Ayres (Danesfort), Ciara Holden (Mullinavat), Rachel Hogan (Danesfort). Subs - Katie Doheny (St Lachtain’s), Niamh Bambrick (Windgap).
Tipperary - Orla McEniry, JulieAnne Burke, Caoimhe Maher, Louise McLoughlan, Rachel Kennedy, Clodagh Quirke, Teresa Ryan, Sarah Fryday, Mary Walsh, Ciara McGrath, Michaela Graham, Tara Kennedy, Aoife Ryan, Megan Ryan, Anne Eniston.
Referee - Mike O’Kelly (Cork).
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Weather for Kilkenny
Thursday 17 May 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 6 C to 11 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 7 C to 11 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: North east
