Cork defeat Tipperary in Munster Junior Championship Camogie
by David Kelly
CORK outfoxed neighbours Tipperary to recapture the Munster Junior Championship crown on Monday night at the Ragg.
Niamh Dilworth put in a man of the match type performance for the Rebelettes, notching an impressive 1-6 (1-2 from play). She was ably served by forward partners Caroline Sugruee and Kate Harrington, who contributed a healthy eight point haul between them (0-3 and 0-5 respectively). The latter reeled off four consecutive long range points to put the game beyond doubt midway throughout the second half.
Cork started superbly with Dilworth flicking Harrington’s pass to the net in the opening minute. Further points from sharpshooters Sinead Duggan, Sugruee, and Dilworth had Tipperary stunned. The Premier County failed to score from play in the first half, Aoife Shinners keeping her side just about in touch with three placed balls.
Cork dominated proceedings in the midfield department, Louise O’Regan putting in a gritty shift to keep Tipperary at bay. Emma Jordan was hugely impressive at wing back.
Tipperary’s stand out performers were full backs Mairead Barry and Julie Delaney, although Louise McLoughlin did impress upon the restart. The home side outscored their rivals early in the second period to cut the lead to four points, Andrea Loughnane’s shot taking a wicked bounce before wrong footing a helpless Jessica Kavanagh. However, Cork were not in buoyant mood, and although Catriona Shortt came agonisingly close to a second green flag, the Leesiders refused to wilt.
Sugruee’s 45th minute strike stemmed the tide for the away side. Four inspirational points followed from talisman Kate Harrington, effectively killing off the tie, and ensured the Munster Junior Cup made a swift return, having been surrendered last year.
Tipperary: C. Houlihan, T. McGrath, J. Delaney, M. Barry, A. McGrath, M. Walsh (Cpt), L. McLoughlin, L. Fanning, C. Kennedy, A. Kennedy, A. Shinners (0-4, all frees), A. Loughnane (1-0), A. Fogarty, M. Ryan, C. Shortt (0-1). Subs used: S. Cunneen, D. Delaney (0-1), A. Butler.
Cork: J. Kavanagh, A. Barry, Y. Murphy, L. O’Sullivan, S. Harrington, R. O’Mahoney, E. Jordan, L. O’Regan, , C. Sugruee (0-3), N. Dilworth (1-6, 0-4 from frees), S. Duggan (0-1), D. Ni Mhuiri (Cpt), K. Harrington (0-5), . Subs used: A. Murray, G. O’Callaghan.
Referee: David O’Carroll, Clare.
Player of the match: N. Dilworth (Cork)
HT: Cork 1-7, Tipp 0-3
FT: Cork 1-15, Tipp 1-6
