A stunning goal by Grace O’Brien in the fourth minute of injury time secured a smash-and-grab 1-14 to 2-10 victory for Tipperary over Offaly in the All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship at the Ragg last evening.
The 1 point win moves Tipp into pole position for a quarter-final spot along with Dublin, with Offaly needing to overcome Group 2 table-toppers Cork in the last series of round-robin games to keep their hopes alive.
The visitors controlled the game in the second half thanks to Sarah Harding, Debbie Flynn, Michaela Morkan and player of the match Róisín Egan.
For their part Tipp were excellent in the opening period with Cáit Devane hitting five points but they still trailed by 2-3 to 0-8 at half time due to goals from Siobhán Flannery and Harding for Offaly.
Tipp captain Orla O’Dwyer – playing her second full match of the day after lining out for the footballers earlier- equalised with a sublime score but Offaly were three in front entering added time and apparently on their way.
The game turned on two Devane frees drilled into the square from 30 metres.
The first was deflected over the bar to cut the deficit to two.
The second was blocked, only for O’Brien to strike first time and rattle the net, to the delight of the home supporters and desperation of the visitors.
Dublin produced a second-half rally to record a 1-14 to 0-13 win over Wexford at the Bellefield complex in Enniscorthy. All-Ireland champions Cork made it four wins from four as they ran out 3-21 to 0-6 winners over Meath in Trim.
