Camogie wins for Clare and Offaly

Clare recorded their first victory of the campaign when puncturing Tipperary’s 100% record in round 3 of the All-Ireland senior camogie championship at Clarecastle.

The Banner girls had given notice of their ability when just failing to see home the hour against Galway last week but they made no such mistake on this occasion, finishing strongly to claim a major scalp by 1-11 to 0-9.

The first half was a dogged affair, Tipperary taking the lead in the first minute for the only time in the game. Clare soon restored parity and that’s how it was at half time, the sides still level at 0-4 apiece.

The wonderful Jill Horan was crucial in keeping Tipperary in touch in the second half as she traded points with Claire McMahon, who finished with eight points to her credit.

Unlike last week though, the Shannonsiders managed to up a gear in the final 10 minutes. They were two points clear when Nora Murphy was introduced in the 27th minute and the super sub made an instant impact, burying the sliotar to the back of the net a minute later after an exchange of passes with Fiona Lafferty to seal the famous victory.

Offaly held off a strong Dublin effort in the second half to win 2-15 to 0-14. The winners laid the platform for their win in the first half, with two Arlene Watkins goals helping them establish a 2-12 to 0-6 interval lead.

Dublin battled hard after the resumption and finished strongly, but were less clinical when it came to finishing. The Metropolitans racked up 11 wides to Offaly’s two. Aileen Murphy also saw a goalbound shot brilliantly saved by Offaly ‘keeper, Pamela Nugent.

Alison Maguire did keep the scoreboard ticking over all the same, shooting 0-8 from placed balls but at the other end of the field, Elaine Dermody went one better, scoring 0-9, all bar one of which came from frees.