Tipp secure semi-final spot with comfortable win over Kilkenny

Therese O'Callaghan

With both Tipperary and Kilkenny finishing their section matches on similar points, these neighbouring teams were forced into a play-off situation, but the Premier County made no mistake this time having drawn with the Cats in an earlier round.

Producing some of the form that saw them regain their All-Ireland title last September, they settled into a slender interval lead of 0-5 to 0-4.

However, it was in the second half that they really got into their rhythm, Eimear McDonnell and Emily Hayden finishing with three points apiece. Ciara Gaynor also got on the score sheet in her first game back in quite some time. The margin would have been greater only for some fine saves by Kilkenny net minder Catriona Ryan. Jackie Frisby secured their goal in the 58th minute.

Cork travel to Wexford to decide the other semi-final on Sunday.

The Rebel County emerged with a hard-earned win over reigning provincial champions Clare in the Munster junior championship first round at Newmarket-on-Fergus yesterday. In a highly entertaining encounter, 4-14 to 3-11, the Banner ladies despite a marvellous second half display left it too late. Trailing by 0-3 to 3-8 at the break Cork goals from Marion Jagoe, Miriam Deasy and Sile Burns they did rally in the second half with majors from Ann Keane (two) and Deirdre Corcoran, but the titleholders had to succumb to the greater strength of the Cork girls after Deasy adding her second green flag.