Tyrone turn on the style against depleted Wicklow

TYRONE WICKLOW 5-16 2-06

IN a match which brought Wicklow deep into Ulster our Leinster runners-up were unable to turn over a strong Tyrone outfit.

In truth the Wicklow squad travelled with a depleted side with a number of regulars absent from the familiar Wicklow side.

In fact the entire Wicklow full forward line, which has been in outstanding form in recent times, were replaced as they were unavailable for one reason or another.

It was a tough task but without Maria Kealy, Laura Hogan and Amy Murphy among others the Wicklow side would struggle.

However, that is not to take from what was a fine display by the Ulster Intermediate champions who are certainly looking to go one better than last year where they finished as bridesmaids to Tipperary in last year’s All-Ireland Intermediate final.

In truth Wicklow were fighting a huge battle from the outset when a goal from Grainne Rafferty settled the red and whites following on from earlier points by midfielder Neamh Woods and Colleen McQuaid.

But Jackie Kinch, in an unfamiliar role at full-forward, replied with a goal which was quickly followed by two points by Meadhbh Deeney.

Tyrone replied with points by Aine Canavan -a daughter of Tyrone legend Peter - and Rafferty.

When Claire Walsh pointed after 21 minutes for Wicklow the score flattered Wicklow slightly reading 1-04 to 1-03 in favour of the northerners.

But in truth Wicklow were really having to work hard to make inroads throughout that time and were indeed struggling to hold what was a strong Tyrone forward division.

These same Tyrone forwards cut loose and scored a total of 2-05 prior to the break to lead at half-time on a score of Tyrone 3-08 to Wicklow’s 1-04 - Tyrone’s goals scored by the impressive Rafferty and Chloe McCaffrey.

If Wicklow were to have any chance they needed a strong start to the second half but it was the Tyrone side who settled quickest and with 1-05 (Gemma Begley with the goal) in the first 10 minutes of the half the match was effectively over.

Wicklow however continued to press hard and Jackie Kinch worked tirelessly until forced off midway through the half and they were eventually rewarded when St Patrick’s Rose Fagan goaled late in the half but it was too little too late and with Rafferty completing her hat-trick Tyrone ran out victors on a final score of 5-16 to 2-06.

Wicklow will now play Offaly next Sunday in Clane at 3.15pm in a match which will decide their destiny in this year’s Intermediate championship.

A win will most likely see them into a quarter-final while a loss will certainly put them into the dreaded relegation battle.

In what was a tough day at the office Wicklow were best served by Lorna Fusciardi, Sarah Miley, Claire Walsh and Aoife Gillen while Tyrone’s overall play was marked by fine displays by Aimee Daly, Neamh Woods and the entire forward division who worked well as a unit.

Tyrone looked the part but the depleted Wicklow side certainly strived to put it up to them and when fresh they certainly did show they were a match for the northern side.

This bodes well for Wicklow going into the important match against Offaly and if their injury situation improves and with a fuller squad available there is no doubt that Wicklow will field far stronger in future matches.

For now manager Wicklow Mick O’Rourke and his management team will put their full attention on next week’s match and will leave no stone unturned to ensure the victory so vital to our county’s cause.