McGlynn on the double as classy Kingdom book spot in decider

A BRACE of goals from Erica McGlynn helped Kerry to a convincing win over Tipperary at Páirc Uí Rinn yesterday and a place in the TG4 Munster SFC final.

Declan Quill and Darragh Long’s changes were full value for their victory, which was built on a commanding first half display when McGlynn raised two green flags.

The Kingdom, who will play Cork or Waterford in the provincial decider, set the tone with early points from Niamh Ní Chonchúir and Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh.

Kerry underlined their quality with the game’s opening goal after nine minutes. 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 the Kingdom’s response was swift as Niamh Ní Chonchúir pointed to leave it 1-4 to 0-1.

Starved of possession and forced on the back foot, Tipp’s massed defence tried to keep Kerry at bay.

The remainder of one-sided first half saw Kerry full-forward McGlynn steal in to score a second goal as Emma Morrissey’s frees kept 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 came more into the contest.

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 15 minutes remaining.

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

Tipp could have little argument with the outcome and Lidl National League Division 2 winners Kerry will provide stiff opposition for their eventual opponents in the provincial decider.

KERRY: C Butler; C O’Brien (C Evans 45), K Cronin, E Lynch; A O’Connell, E Costello, C Murphy; C Lynch, A Galvin (captain); P McCarthy (D O’Leary 19), N Carmody (A Dillane 46), L Scanlon; N Ní Chonchúir, E McGlynn (K Brosnan 53), L Ní Mhuircheartaigh. ScoRERS: E McGlynn 2-2, N Ní Chonchúir 0-4, D O’Leary 0-2, L Ní Mhuircheartaigh (1f), N Carmody, P McCarthy, L Scanlon 0-1 each.

TIPPERARY: L Fitzpatrick; L Morrissey, M Curley (captain), E Kelly; C Davey (E Moore 40), N Martin, N Towey; A R Kennedy, L Spillane; S English (C Hennessey h-t), M Creedon (N Mackey 40), E Cronin; C O’Dwyer, E Morrissey, M Murphy.

ScoRERS: E Morrissey 0-6 (5f), E Cronin, A R Kennedy 0-1 each. REfEREE: P Smith (Waterford).