Tipperary Camogie Senior Championship Final – Burgess/Duharra 1-14 Toomevara 2-9

Burgess/Duharra defeated Toomevara by 1-14 to 2-9 after extra time in the Tipperary Camogie Senior Championship Final on Sunday in the Tipperary County Camogie grounds at The Ragg.

Senior county final

Burgess/Duharra 1.14, Toomevara 2.9. (aet)

A huge crowd at the weekend’s camogie showpiece was treated to a spectacular game of skill, determination and excitement as these two teams gave their all in 80 minutes, with Burgess/Duharra claiming their first senior title.

Eimear McDonnell was first to pop up for Burgess to register their first point inside the first minute. Not to be out done, Aine Brislane plucked a ball from the air & Toomevara were level inside the second minute. Combining well together for Burgess/Duharra, Tara Kennedy at wing forward worked hard to set up Eimear McDonnell for the next three points while Tara also pointed. With 20 minutes gone in the half Burgess were in control and were leading 5 points to 1.

Toomevara then had their spell of dominance, with Aoife Ryan and Nicole Walsh pointing. Aine Brislane, who was proving to be a handful for the Burgess defense, was left unmarked and she capitalized with a cracking goal. Now a point up, Toomevara pushed forward with a pointed free from Nicole Walsh. However, Eimear McDonnell pointed a free and on the stroke of half time Ciara Gaynor also pointed to ensure that Burgess had hauled Toomevara back level 0.7 to 1.4.

The first 7 minutes of the second half was a ding dong battle with both defenses standing firm. It was up to Eimear McDonnell to latch onto a speculative ball to score Burgess much needed goal. Both teams exchanged points for the next 10 minutes. Then in the 22nd minute, a 21 yard free for Toomevara was blasted to the back of Burgess net. Suddenly, Toomevara again found themselves ahead by a point, but once again it was Eimear McDonnell who steadied the ship for Burgess with a pointed free. Deep into injury time, Nicole Walsh saw her free sail narrowly wide for Toomevara. At full time of normal time sides were level at 1.9 to 2.6.

Within the first minute of extra time Eimear McDonnell pointed a free, and she pointed another while Nicole Walsh matched her tally to again leave the sides level in the first period. Three pointed frees from Eimear McDonnell in the second period could only be matched by Toomevara `s solitary effort, so it was with huge relief when the final whistle was sounded, and finally, Burgess/Duharra claimed the title of county champions.

Both teams must be complimented for their efforts, and after last years agonizing defeat in the final minute, Burgess/Duharra can now confine that ghost to history. Eimear McDonnell contributed so much to this win, as did Therese Brophy, Tara Kennedy and Deirdre McDonnell. Toomevara also had their star players. Trisha Ryan at corner back and Maria Tynan at centre back both shone. Up front, Aine Brislane created a lot of difficult moments for Burgess, while Nicole Walsh’s free taking kept them in touch, however her threat was some what diluted when she was moved back to support her defenders.

Burgess/Duharra now go on to represent Tipperary in the munster semi final this Saturday October 16th when they travel to play Inniscarra of Cork. Time and venue for this game has yet to be confirmed. All associated with Tipperary Camogie wish them the very best of luck as they build on their success.