Tipperary hold out

TIPPERARY...3-10 WEXFORD..

TIPPERARY...3-10 WEXFORD...2-9: The finishing of Deirdre Hughes, who amassed a tally of 2-2, helped Tipperary to a four-point victory over a battling Wexford side in their league Division One final at Nowlan Park yesterday.

Within 90 seconds of the start Hughes had found the net from close range, but the Wexford response was a Michelle Hearne goal after an Evelyn Quigley delivery.

Éimear McDonnell and Hughes added goals and, although Wexford's Kate Kelly, with two pointed 65s, reduced the deficit, Tipperary held a 3-2 to 1-4 lead at half-time.

Tipperary started the second half with a scoring flourish as they added five points to leave Wexford with a mountain to climb.

Wexford refused to accept defeat, Kelly pointing them back into contention and Hearne shooting her second goal, but Tipperary held out for victory.

Meanwhile, Kildare claimed their fourth Division Two title with a 2-11 to 2-6 victory over Laois.

TIPPERARY: J Delaney; J Kirwan, U O'Dwyer, M Corcoran; S Nealon, C Gaynor, T O'Halloran; A McDermott, P Bulfin; L Young, E Hayden (0-1), C Grogan (0-7); E McDonnell (1-0), D Hughes (2-2), J Ryan. Subs: L Burken for Bulfin, G Kinane for McDermott.

WEXFORD: M D'Arcy; A Moran, C O'Loughlin, K Atkinson; RM Breen, A Codd, D Codd; C Murphy, K Kelly (0-8); M O'Leary, M Leacy, O Hernon; E Quigley, M Hearne (2-0), L Codd. Subs: J Dwyer for Quigley, B Curran for O'Leary, C O'Connor for Hearne, A O'Connor (0-1) for L Codd.

Referee: S McGrath (Cork).

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • What’s making headlines in the rugby world? Listen to The Counter Ruck podcast with Nathan Johns

  • Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered to your phone