Understrength Tipp outgunned by Kerry

LADIES FOOTBALL: TG4 Munster Senior Football Championship Semi-Final

Kerry 2-12

Tipperary 0-8

Report: Ger McCarthy at Páirc Uí Rinn

MATCH DIGEST

Player of the Match: Erica McGlynn (Kerry)

SCORERS – Kerry: Erica McGlynn 2-2; Niamh Ní Chonchúir 0-4; Danielle O’Leary 0-2; Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh (free), Niamh Carmody, Paris McCarthy, Lorraine Scanlon 0-1 each.

Tipperary: Emma Morrissey 0-6 (5 frees), Emma Cronin, Anna Rose Kennedy 0-1.

Tipperary fell to a ten-point defeat to Kerry in the Munster Senior Ladies Football semi-final on Saturday afternoon.

Kerry were full value for their victory, which was built on a commanding first half display highlighted by two Erica McGlynn goals.

The Kingdom, who will play Cork or Waterford in the provincial decider, enjoyed the brighter start with Niamh Ní Chonchúir and Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh (free) splitting the posts inside five minutes. Niamh Carmody added to Tipperary’s woes with her side’s third score as Kerry dominated possession and territory for much of the opening exchanges.

Kerry underlined their quality with a superb goal after nine minutes. Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh set up McGlynn to palm the ball into the net following a flowing move.

An Emma Morrissey free got Tipp on the scoreboard but their opponents’ response was swift. with Niamh Ní Chonchúir pointing making it 1-4 to 0-1.

Starved of possession and forced on the back foot, Tipp’s massed defence kept Kerry at bay for a time.

The remainder of one-sided first half saw Kerry’s full-forward McGlynn steal in to score a second goal and Emma Morrissey’s frees keep Tipp within touching distance. Yet, Kerry’s 2-7 to 0-4 interval lead was well deserved.

Anna Rose Kennedy and Danielle O’Leary exchanged points shortly after the restart as Tipp enjoyed one of their best spells.

Peter Creedon’s team only had an Emma Morrissey free to show for their efforts, however, and a comfortable Kerry led 2-8 to 0-6 with fifteen minutes remaining.

The eventual winners added four scores in reply - McGlynn, Ní Chonchúir, Danielle O’Leary and Lorraine Scanlon all finding their range.

Tipp could have little argument with the outcome and Lidl National League Division 2 champions Kerry will provide stiff opposition for Cork or Waterford in the Munster Final.

Tipperary now turn their focus to the All-Ireland Senior Championship on weekend 28-29 May with their group opponents to be determined by the outcomes in the provincial championships.

TEAMS – Kerry: Ciara Butler; Ciara O’Brien, Kayleigh Cronin, Ella Lynch; Aishling O’Connell, Emma Costello, Ciara Murphy; Cait Lynch, Anna Galvin (capt); Paris McCarthy, Niamh Carmody, Lorraine Scanlon; Niamh Ní Chonchúir, Erica McGlynn, Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh.

Reps: Danielle O’Leary for McCarthy (19 inj), Caoimhe Evans for O’Brien (45), Aoife Dillane for Carmody (46), Katie Brosnan for McGlynn (53).

Tipperary: Lauren Fitzpatrick (Ballymacarbry); Lauren Morrissey (Brian Borus), Maria Curley (Templemore, Capt), Elaine Kelly (Cappawhite); Carrie Davey (Fethard), Niamh Martin (Sliabh na mBan), Neassa Towey (Templemore); Anna Rose Kennedy (Aherlow), Lucy Spillane (Fethard); Sarah English (Ardfinnan), Marie Creedon (Thurles Sarsfields), Emma Cronin (Moyle Rovers); Cliona O’Dwyer (Brian Borus), Emma Morrissey (Aherlow), Maureen Murphy (Brian Borus).

Subs: Casey Hennessey (Boherlahan-Dualla) for English (NT), Ellen Moore (Moyne-Templetuohy) for Davey (40), Niamh Mackey (Clonmel Commercials) for Creedon (40).

Referee: Patrick Smith (Waterford).