WRAP: Munster retain Lidl PPS Interprovincial title, as Leinster win Shield again

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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’Shea 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.

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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.

 

As in 2019, Leinster claimed Shield honours as they defeated Ulster by 0-06 to 0-03 in the Final. Ulster were unfortunate to lose their Captain, Jayne Drury, to injury in the round robin stages. Ruth Birchall starred with three points for Mark Murnaghan’s side while Leinster goalkeeper Sophie Brennan made several crucial saves in the second half to ensure victory. It was all square at half time at three points each. In an action packed second half, Sara Doyle split the posts while Birchall added a brace to ensure the shield would be returning to Leinster once again.

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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