Intermediates bow to Premier after trip to Tipp

TIPPERARY 3-13 WEXFORD 1-13 WEXFORD GOT off to a losing start in the Liberty Insurance All-Ireland Intermediate camogie championship against hosts Tipperary in The Ragg on Saturday.

Tom Dunphy’s side had shown some resolve in the Leinster championship, winning their first match of the year, but the Premier county got the goals they needed to take the victory in this tie.

Maybe because of a little hangover from the trip down, Wexford got off to a poor start, falling 1-1 to nil behind in the opening minutes courtesy of Niamh Treacy’s first major.

However, Margaret Byrne, who has had a good first season in county colours, replied with a goal and point to tie the game.

The sides were level at 1-3 each approaching the midway point in the opening half, but that would prove to be the final time that Wexford were on equal terms. After Tipperary eased two points clear, Leah Walsh replied for the visitors.

However, Treacy soon scored her second goal to take a 2-5 to 1-4 lead.

Rathnure clubwoman Michelle Martin pulled a point back for the Slaneysiders but the hosts continued to tack on scores to keep their opponents at arm’s length.

Before the interval Oonagh Doyle and Byrne picked off a couple of points as Wexford stayed within touching distance at the change-around (2-8 to 1-7).

The visitors started the second period by having a goal disallowed and that hurt more when Tipperary added the next three points.

Leah Walsh pulled Wexford within six at 2-11 to 1-8 but the game was up for the away side when Tipperary scored their third goal, with Treacy completing her hat-trick.

To their credit the Slaneysiders plugged away in the last quarter and outscored their opponents.

Leah Walsh added another pair of points, Margaret Byrne contributed further to her tally, while Aoife Curran also put her name on the scoresheet as Wexford ended six points behind.

Overall it was a disappointing afternoon for Dunphy’s side with a few bright spots. Margaret Byrne was her team’s top scorer and strongest performer, while Joanne Dillon and Walsh also impressed.

Next up for Wexford is a trip north on Saturday to face Antrim, who lost heavily to Laois in their opening encounter.

That will be followed by home encounters against Laois and Kilkenny.

Wexford: Rebecca Doran; Nancy Dunphy, Amy Ryan, Farren Byrne; Anna Whitty, Doireann Kavanagh, Michelle Harding; Michelle Martin (0-1), Leah Walsh (0-4); Joanne Dillon, Deirdre McMahon (capt., 0-1), Aoife Curran (0-1); Margaret Byrne (1-4), Ellen Roche, Oonagh Doyle (0-2). Subs. - Katie O’Connor, Brídín Redmond, also Jemma Doyle, Shauna Kelly, Leanne Foley, Aideen Brennan, Niamh Walsh, Amy Eustace, Sarah Eustace, Ciara Mythen, Rachel Kelly, Clodagh Jackman, Shauna Redmond, Kerri O’Brien, Kerrie Daly.

Tipperary: Caoimhe Bourke; Emer Murphy, Caroline Mullaney, Maria Kinnane; Hazel McAuliffe, Lorna Dwyer, Ruth Hassett; Jean Kelly, Michaela Graham (capt.); Keely Linehan (0-3), Niamh Treacy (3-2), Nicola Butler (02); Grace O’Brien (0-1), Sinéad Meagher (0-3), Aoife Moloughney (0-2).

Referee: Andrew Larkin (Cork).