Waterford will remain in the TG4 All-Ireland Senior Ladies Football Championship for 2027 after producing a strong finish to overcome Tipperary in Saturday’s relegation play-off at Mallow GAA.
Tomás Mac an tSaoir’s side held their nerve in the closing stages, kicking three unanswered points in the final 10 minutes to claim a deserved victory and preserve their place in the senior ranks. The defeat means Tipperary will compete in the Intermediate Championship next season.
Waterford found themselves on the back foot early when Anna Carey finished an excellent Tipperary move with a goal inside four minutes. However, the Déise responded well as Katie Murray and Karen McGrath settled their side with early scores.
Emma Morrissey restored Tipperary’s advantage from a free, but Waterford soon took control of the contest. Two points from Kate Hogan, along with scores from Maeve Daly and Lauren McGregor, helped swing the momentum in the Déise’s favour.
Carey added a point to halt Waterford’s run, but further scores from Hogan and midfielder Eve Power ensured the Déise carried a 0-8 to 1-2 lead into the interval.
The second half almost took a dramatic turn when Tipperary were awarded a penalty just three minutes after the restart following a foul on Anna Rose Kennedy. However, Waterford goalkeeper Katelyn Gardner came up with a crucial save to deny Emma Morrissey and preserve her side’s lead.
That proved to be one of the defining moments of the game.
Waterford responded impressively, with Katie Murray and Bríd McMaugh extending their advantage before Lauren McGregor and Hogan kept the scoreboard ticking despite Tipperary efforts through Morrissey and Kennedy.
Tipperary mounted one final push as Aoibhe Ryan, Ellie Franklin and Morrissey reduced the gap to a single point with over 20 minutes still to play. Morrissey then came agonisingly close to levelling matters, only to see her effort strike the woodwork.
The Déise seized that lifeline.
Kate Hogan continued her outstanding display with two vital points, while the industrious Katie Murray also found the target to move Waterford four clear and put the result beyond doubt.
Hogan finished as Waterford’s top scorer with six points, while Murray contributed three in another influential performance. Gardner’s penalty save also proved pivotal as the Déise held firm to secure their senior status.
The victory ensures Waterford will once again compete among the country’s top counties in the TG4 All-Ireland Senior Championship next season, providing a positive end to a campaign that tested the squad throughout.
Waterford scorers: Kate Hogan 0-6 (2 frees), Katie Murray 0-3, Lauren McGregor 0-2 (1 free), Karen McGrath 0-1, Maeve Daly 0-1, Eve Power 0-1, Bríd McMaugh 0-1
Sport on WLR is brought to you by Auto Boland Ford.
For the latest Waterford News and Sport, tune into WLR News on the hour and download the WLR App for news on demand
