Cork secured their spot in the inaugural Glen Dimplex All-Ireland U23 camogie final, defeating Tipperary at Castle Road on Saturday.
A dominant start to the second half, fueled by the wind, saw Cork overturn a two-point deficit and establish a commanding three-goal lead by the third quarter. Crucial goals from Amy Sheppard and Rose Murphy in the 39th and 43rd minutes proved decisive for the team managed by Ger Manley and Danny Morrissey.
During that impressive third quarter, the unbeaten home side outscored Tipperary by 2-6 to 0-1.
The Rebels will now face either Galway or Kilkenny in the final scheduled for Saturday, July 12.
Cork trailed 1-3 to 0-8 at halftime but demonstrated their ability to elevate their performance after the break.
They began the second half strongly, with Sheppard (who scored 1-7) converting a ’45. Eimear Duignan, Sheppard, Ava Fitzgerald, and Niamh McNabola then added points from open play.
However, it was the goals, finished with precision, that ultimately determined the outcome.
Tipperary, led by Bill Mullaney, put in a valiant effort.
Aoife Dwyer and Danielle Ryan consistently spurred on their teammates, contributing eight and four points respectively.
Goalkeeper Áine Slattery also impressed with several remarkable saves.
This match marked the third encounter between these two teams, with Cork winning both the provincial and round-robin matches (the Munster final after extra time).
The inclusion of three senior panel members – Millie Condon, Meadhbh Ring, and Fitzgerald – proved advantageous for Cork. A fourth member, Orlaith Mullins, played with the seniors against Wexford, disqualifying her from the final.
Cork started strongly, with Claudia Keane finding the net just two minutes into the game after reacting quickly to Slattery’s save from Murphy.
However, the visitors responded well, with points from Ryan, Anna Fahie, and Dwyer.
Slattery also made a significant impact, denying Sheppard a goal.
Murphy ended Cork’s scoreless spell in the 17th minute, but they only managed two Sheppard frees in the second quarter.
Meanwhile, Bill Mullaney’s team leveled the score in the 22nd minute through Hannah Burke and then took the lead for the first time courtesy of Dwyer, making it 1-2 to 0-6.
They maintained their lead at the halftime whistle thanks to a Dwyer free and a point from play by Kate Ferncombe.
However, that was as good as it got for Tipperary, as Cork seized the momentum with their early second-half surge.
A Sheppard (1-7, 0-2 frees, 0-2 45s), R Murphy (1-1), C Keane (1-0), A Fitzgerald (0-3), E Duignan and N McNabola (0-1 each).
A Dwyer (0-8, 0-5 frees), D Ryan (0-4), K Ferncombe, A Fahie and H Butler (0-1 each).
C Buckley (Inniscarra); S Hurley (Sarsfields), C Kingston (Newcestown), M De Búrca (Carrigtwohill); M Ring (Aghabullogue), D O’Brien (Enniskeane, Capt), A Cashman (Youghal); A Fitzgerald (Sarsfields), E Duignan (Mallow); I Sheehan (Éire Óg), R Murphy (Ballinora), N McNabola (Cloughduv); A Sheppard (Cloughduv), C Keane (Inniscarra), M Condon (Ballinascarthy).
E Wigginton Barrett (St Finbarr’s) for N McNabola, E Curtin (Blackrock) for C Keane (both 53), E Sheehan (Éire Óg) for M Ring (56), E O’Donoghue (Bishopstown) for R Murphy (58).
Á Slattery (Shannon Rovers); L Ryan (Clonoulty Rossmore), M Connolly (Drom-Inch), L Fahie (Cashel King Cormacs); A Mellerick (Newport) Ballinahinch), M Murphy (Silvermines), C Guinan (Shannon Rovers); O O’Brien (Éire Óg Annacarty), G Moloney (Cashel King Cormacs); D Ryan (Éire Óg Annacarty), K Ferncombe (Clonoulty Rossmore), A Fahie (Cashel King Cormacs); A Fitzgerald (Borris-ileigh), A Dwyer (Thurles Sarsfields), H Butler (Cashel King Cormacs).
C McCormack (Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams) for A Mellerick (44), C Gleeson (Gortnahoe/Glengoole) for G Moloney, P Quirke (Boherlahan Dualla) for A Fahie (both 49), A O’Kelly (Kilruane McDonaghs) for K Ferncombe (53).
Brian Kearney (Kildare).
