First-half goals key as Cork power past Tipp into camogie decider
Cork's Amy O’Connor celebrates a goal against Tipperary. Pic: ©INPHO/Bryan Keane
In front of a record attendance of 10, 311 Cork secured a sixth consecutive Glen Dimplex All-Ireland senior camogie championship final appearance with a five-point win over Tipperary in FBD Semple Stadium on Saturday.
Ger Manley’s side met the challenge head on and they will progress to meet rivals and reigning champions Galway in the August 9 showdown in Croke Park.
Lining out with ten of last season’s All-Ireland final team there was no shortage of leaders, but it must be said Izzy O’Regan, Ava Fitzgerald, Isobel Sheehan, Méabh Murphy and Millie Condon all stepped up in admirable fashion to fill the voids.
For Tipperary, the 20 year long wait to get back to an All-Ireland final goes on.
First-half goals from Amy O’Connor and Millie Condon turned out to be the main difference between the sides.
Captain Méabh Cahalane won the toss and elected to play into the wind.
However, it was an Eimear McGrath free, after Eimear Heffernan drew the foul, that was quickly followed by a Clodagh McIntyre point, pushing Tipperary two ahead.
Cork’s response came through Emma Murphy and a real gem from Sorcha McCartan.
O’Connor then fired the opening goal of the game in the seventh minute when the St Vincent’s attacker - after being picked out by McCartan - beat two defenders before finding the net.
The green flag sparked the Rebels into action as they tagged on a flurry of points, Emma Murphy in particular sparkled at wing-forward. By the end of the half the Glen Rovers forward had four splendid points to her name.
Laura Hayes was in the mix as well after making her trademark darting runs from the middle of the field.
Cork were winning most of the one-on-one battles, Tipperary were reliant on McGrath’s placed ball precision.
Cork forged 1-7 to 0-5 to the good when they availed of a second goal opportunity nine minutes from the break. This time it was O’Connor who turned provider when she found Condon and the Ballinascarthy ace gave Laura Leenane no chance in the Tipperary goal.
Cork were flying.
A third goal looked a certainty minutes before half-time only for Karen Kennedy’s timely hook and the sliotar was cleared.
All Cork six forwards - compared to Tipperary’s three - were on the scoresheet and they went to the dressing-room 2-11 to 0-8 in front.
Cork’s first wide arrived from the throw-in as the teams continued to play with sweepers.
McGrath hit back with a ’45, but every time Tipperary came forward they ran into a sea of red.
The home support were eventually roused when Grace O’Brien forced an acrobatic save from Amy Lee, with McGrath converting the ’45.
When O’Brien slotted over from a tight angle, the margin was reduced to six.
Tipperary steadied the ship somewhat, but Méabh Murphy was outstanding in the sweeper role for Cork, as was Player of the Match Libby Coppinger behind her at number three.
In fact, all defenders, which included newcomers Fitzgerald and Sheehan - were in top form.
Tipperary needed to push up as a goal was required after the sides traded a pair of points and the lead at 2-13 to 0-13 with the fourth quarter to play.
A Karin Blair point in the 52nd minute pulled another score back.
But each time Tipperary went forward they were repelled or blocked down and could not find a way for a green flag opportunity.
Orlaith Mullins came off the bench and nailed two wonderful Cork points, which meant no way back for the opposition.
As the four minutes of stoppage time was signalled, O’Brien and a Caoimhe Stakelum free was all Tipperary could provide.
Scorers for Cork: A O’Connor (1-3, 0-2 frees), E Murphy (0-4), M Condon (1-0), S McCartan (0-3), O Cahalane and O Mullins (0-2 each), S McCarthy and L Hayes (0-1 each).
Scorers for Tipperary: E McGrath (0-7, 0-5 frees, 0-2 45s), G O’Brien (0-3), C Stakelum (0-1 free) and E Heffernan (0-2 each), C Hennessy, C McIntyre and K Blair (0-1 each).
CORK: A Lee; I O’Regan, L Coppinger, M Cahalane (Capt); A Fitzgerald, M Murphy, I Sheehan; A Thompson, L Hayes; E Murphy, S McCarthy, M Condon; A O’Connor, S McCartan, O Cahalane.
Subs: O Mullins for E Murphy (52), H Ryan for A Thompson (56).
TIPPERARY: L Leenane; A Quinlisk, M Eviston, E Loughman; C McCarthy (Capt), K Kennedy, C Guinan; K Blair, C Hennessy; E Heffernan, R Howard, C McIntyre; C Stakelum, E McGrath, G O‘Brien.
Subs: L Purcell for C Hennessy (48), K Ralph for C McIntyre, C Quirke for E Loughman (both 51), N Treacy for E McGrath (60).
Referee: Barry Nea (Westmeath).
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