U-14s reach final

MUNSTER U-14 GIRLS ‘A’ FOOTBALL SEMI-FINAL Kerry 7-5 Tipperary 3-9

KERRY U-14s are through to the Munster A final after a hard fought and deserved victory over Tipperary in Mallow last Wednesday. Kerry had won the original fixture between the sides but had to play the tie again after Tipperary lodged an objection following a technical issue in the original fixture.The Kerry management and players certainly felt aggrieved with this decision, and went about their business in determined fashion from the very first whistle.

Kerry played against the breeze in the first half on a perfect pitch as the evening sun began to set. They got off to an excellent start in the game and points from Ellie O’Connell and Aisling Hanafin, plus goals from Finola Ni Chathasaigh (2), Amy Harrington and Clodagh Murray had the Kingdom 3-2 to no score up after just eight minutes. Tipperary settled down and scored 1-3 through the very dangerous Kate Flannery.

Tipperary were right back in the game and Kerry needed a reply. It came when Clodagh Murray finished off an excellent team move to goal once more. Tipperary didn’t lie down though, and they had the last three points of the half to make it Kerry 5-2 Tipperary 1-6 at the small whistle. The only down side of a great first half was an injury picked up by Murray which forced her off.

Tipperary started the second half much better and had 1-2 on the board quickly. Kerry replied with a goal from captain Amy Harrington. Tipperary began to take control of matters however, and they goaled again to put just three points between the teams to set up a very tense finish. However Kerry showed great fighting spirit and superior fitness to close out the game with points from Melanie Higgins and the impressive Harrington (2). The final score came when a Higgins free found the back of the Tipperary net.

The final whistle sounded soon afterwards, and the large and vocal Kerry supporters rejoiced as their excellent team were safely through to the Munster Final where Cork await.