Tipp star Cáit Devane inspires Clonoulty to Munster win over Barrs 

Tipperary champions, Clonoulty Rossmore, are through to the semi-final of the AIB Munster Senior Camogie championship, following their three-point winning margin over Cork champions, St. Finbarr's at Dillon Quirke GAA Grounds, Clonoulty on Saturday.

The James Heffernan managed first-time Tipperary champions, on their maiden voyage in the Munster Senior club, were good value for this victory. From the throw-in they battled strongly in defence with disciplined tackling, not conceding easy frees to the opposition, while supplying good ball to their attack. Goalkeeper Teresa Burke was unerring throughout, while a solid half-back line, led by Courtney Ryan and Clodagh Quirke, withstood huge pressure, particularly during the second period.

Their attack, inspired by captain Cait Devane, fought for everything and their ability to draw frees was the difference at the end. Devane hit 12 points over the hour, with ten coming from placed balls.

The game was won and lost in a 12-minute spell late in the second half, when the Tipperary side came from being a point in arrears to go four up, after hitting five without reply.

St Finbarr's battled hard from the off, with their best spell coming during the opening half, when they came from two down after six minutes, to lead by two, six minutes later, with points from Emma Olden, Kate Wall and Hannagh O’Leary The second quarter was even enough but the home-side shaded it on the scoreboard, to go in level at the break, 0-8 to 0-8.

The third quarter continued in the same vein with scores hard to come by as both defences tightened up. St. Finbarrs led by the minimum, 0-11 to 0-10 with 13 minutes of normal time remaining, but with Cora Hennessy and Sarah Fryday upping their game in attack, Clonoulty gradually got a foothold.

Four points from open play during this period, one each from Hennessy and Fryday and two from Devane had them four to the good as the game entered added time. In one last attack, Teresa Burke came to the rescue when deflecting a goal-bound shot out for a 45, as they held out for a historic victory.

If Cait Devane was an inspiring figure for Clonoulty, St. Finbarr's had their leaders also. Méabh Cahalane manned the centre of their defence, while in attack Sorcha McCartan and Orlaith Cahalane were always potential match-winners.

Clonoulty Rossmore now meet Clare Champions Clonlara in the Munster semi-final next weekend.

CLONOULTY ROSSMORE: Teresa Burke, Lorna Ryan, Aoife Bourke, Moira Kinane, Courtney Ryan, Clodagh Quirke, Eimear Loughman, Casey Hennessy, Kellie Quirke, Sinead Ryan, Cora Hennessy (0-1), Kate Ferncombe (0-1), Cait Devane (Captain, 0-12, 10 frees), Sarah Fryday (0-1), Eimear Bourke (0-1). Subs used: Bernadette Ryan for Kellie Quirke (44), Avril Quirke for Lorna Ryan, (blood, 50-54), Avril Quirke for Kate Ferncombe (57), Kate Ryan for Cora Hennessy (inj. 63).

ST. FINBARR'S: Ciara Hurley, Stephanie Punch (Captain), Aisling Egan, Ciara Golden, Hannah O’Leary (0-1), Méabh Cahalane, Aoife O’Neill, Emma Olden (0-1), Aisling Shannon, Nicole Olden (0-1), Kate Wall (0-1), Sorcha McCartan (0-4, 1f,1x45), Ella Wigginton Barrett, Orlaith Cahalane (0-5,2 frees), Keeva McCarthy. Sub used: Meg Twomey for Nicole Olden (54).

Referee: John O’Donnell (Kilmallock, Limerick).