A ferocious first half performance was the difference as Munster claimed back to back Lidl PPS Interprovincial titles in Kinnegad on Saturday. John Cleary’s side burst into a 2-07 to 1-00 first half lead, but Connacht fought back to within four points in the second half to set up an exciting finish.
Connacht were aiming to get their first Cup win in the competition since 2015 but they were unlucky in the opening half as their opposition ran riot from the start. Clíona Dooley pointed before Danielle O’ Leary slipped the ball passed Connacht netminder Karen Connolly. It could have been worse for Connacht but for Connolly, as a minute later she pulled off a wonderful save from Munster captain Kellyann Hogan.
Munster’s pressure on the Connacht rearguard was relentless as Katie Quirke, Síofra O’Shea, Fiona Keating and Hogan all raised white flags. Connacht struggled to get the ball past their own midfield such was Munster’s dominance. Katie Quirke added two frees and her second goal and the writing looked on the wall for P.J. Rabbitte’s side.
However, Connacht were given a lifeline in the run in to half time as Aoife O’Rourke found the back of the net, giving her side a much needed lift. The half time whistle went with Connacht facing an epic challenge to get back into contention.
While Munster scored first in the second half, Connacht dominated possession. Kate Slevin converted a penalty giving the contest a timely boost. It was Slevin’s third penalty of the tournament with Connacht as they had defeated Leinster and Ulster to book their place in the Cup Final. A tremendous block from Connacht centre back Tara Needham on Kellyann Hogan’s shot served to lift the Connacht support in attendance and they added a further score through Aoife O’Rourke. A minute later there was just four points in it; Muireann Devaney finding the net for Connacht.
Full credit to Munster though, they regrouped and converted 1-02 in the final minutes to seal victory, the goal from the boot of Katie Quirke. It capped a terrific tournament from the Munster side who had gone unbeaten through the round robin stages.
well done to the excellent Managment of John Cleary Michelle Ryan and Paul Creed.
Munster PPS interprovincial Champions 2020
Rosie Landers Blackwater Community school
Niamh Martin Loreto Clonmel
Isobel Sheehan Cl Cholim Ballincollig
Christine O Sullivan Scoil Pobail Beara
Rosie Corkery Cl Ghobnatain Ballyvourney
Eve Mullins – SMGS, Blarney
Brigita Valuntaite Loreto Clonmel
Kellyann Hogan Loreto Clonmel
Aisling Reidy Coláiste Muire, Ennis
Aoife Twomey St Marys Macroom
Siofra O’ Shea: Colaiste na Sceilge
Danielle O Leary Sliabh Luchra Rathmore
Faye Ahern, Kinsale Community School
Katie Quirke Loreto Fermoy
Fiona Keating, Kinsale Community School
Caoimhe Forde Cl Treasa Kanturk
Mary O Connell Pres Tralee
Sadhbh Hallinan Loreto Clonmel
Rachel Kilgallen Pres Tralee
Meabh Daly Loreto Fermoy
Verla Van der Wall Loreto Clonmel
Ericka O Shea St Marys Macroom
Ashling O Connell Pres Tralee
Emma O'Donoghue Coláiste Muire, Ennis
Danielle Murphy Cl Treasa Kanturk
Grace Murphy Cl Ghobnatain Ballyvourney
Clíona Dooley Coláiste Choilm Ballincollig
Rachel Dwyer Colaiste na Sceilge
Results
Round One
Munster 6-06, Ulster 2-05
Connacht 3-06, Leinster 0-06
Round Two
Munster 3-04, Leinster 0-05
Ulster 2-04, Connacht 4-05
Round Three
Munster 1-09, Connacht 1-04
Ulster 1-07, Leinster 3-04
Shield Final
Leinster 0-06, Ulster 0-03
Cup Final
Munster 3-10, Connacht 3-01
