Cork overpower Tipp in extra-time to claim Munster U23 camogie title

Erinn Curtin and Claudia Keane scored goals to ensure the Cork victory. 

Cork's Avril Cashman and Claudia Keane celebrate their win over Tipperary. Keane scored 1-2 in total. Pic: Dan Linehan

Munster U23 Camogie Championship final: Cork 3-15 Tipperary 0-14 (AET) 

The inaugural Munster U23 camogie championship trophy went the way of resilient Cork after extra-time in Kilmallock on Monday.

Both sides brought great fight to an exciting showdown, especially Tipperary’s second-half when they overturned a six-point deficit to draw level through Danielle Ryan, 0-14 to 1-11.

But inspired by the overall display of Cloughduv’s Amy Sheppard, who registered 1-9, and a gritty backline, it was Ger Manley’s side who prevailed.

With Manley away on training camp in Portugal with the senior squad, it was Danny Morrissey and his management team that oversaw proceedings.

However, in a close contest they couldn’t be sure of victory until Erinn Curtin and Claudia Keane found the net in the 80th and 84th minutes.

Cork were 0-8 to 0-4 ahead at the interval.

Just after the restart Sheppard struck for goal, while crucially ‘keeper Caoimhe Buckley saved an effort from Eva O’Dwyer at the other end.

Tipp were 1-8 to 0-5 behind, but with the wind at their backs Bill Mullaney’s side worked their way back twice to within a point - free-taker Aoife Dwyer their main contributor.

With five minutes to go they drew level for the first time through Ryan. The same player rescued them again at the death.

The game was still up for grabs after the first period of extra-time after captain Daire O’Brien, Ella Wigginton Barrett and Sheppard pointed, 1-14 to 0-14.

With good support from their bench, Cork would prevail, the victory made sure with those late goals.

Scorers for Cork: A Sheppard (1-9, 0-5 frees, 0-1 45), C Keane (1-2), E Curtin (1-0), D O’Brien (free), A Cashman, E Wigginton Barrett and I Sheehan (0-1 each).

Scorers for Tipperary: A Dwyer (0-7, 0-6 frees), D Ryan (0-2), A Fahie, O O’Brien, G Moloney, K Ferncombe and C Gleeson (0-1 each).

CORK: C Buckley; M De Búrca, L Dunlea, C Kingston; A O’Riordan, D O’Brien (Capt), A Cashman; E Sheehan, E Duignan; N McNabola, E O’Donoghue, N Olden; A Sheppard, C Keane, R Murphy.

Subs: C Golden for M De Burca (19 inj), I Sheehan for N Olden (44), A McCarthy for E O’Donoghue (45), E Curtin for N McNabola (50), E Wiggonton Barrett for C Keane (58), A O’Sullivan for C Golden, C O’Donoghue for E Sheehan, S Hurley for A O’Riordan (all half-time ET), N McNabola for R Murphy (75), C Keane for A Sheppard (76).

TIPPERARY: Á Slattery; L Ryan, M Connolly (Capt), P Quirke; C Gleeson, M Murphy, L Fahie; A Fahie, O O’Brien; G Moloney, K Ferncombe, A Dwyer; C Guinan, D Ryan, E O’Dwyer.

Subs: A Bevans for E O’Dwyer (45), C Shelly for A Dwyer (66 inj), A Fitzgerald for K Ferncombe (70), C McCormack for C Guinan (76 inj), E Kelly for L Fahie (79), E Fogarty M Murphy (80).

Referee: Dan McKenna (Limerick).