DOWN LADIES DIV THREE PLAYOFF SEMI FINALS

SENIOR PLAYOFF SEMI FINAL    TIPPERARY 1-11       DOWN 2-7

The Down Ladies Team cruelly missed out on promotion in Dublin as they were denied by a last minute point against Tipperary in what proved to be a tense and controversial game.

In unfavourable conditions, Tipperary dominated the first half, scoring 1-5, all from frees, with Down scoring only 0-1.  The second half though would prove much closer.  Kyla Trainor got Down off to the perfect start with a penalty following a foul on Emma O’Reilly. While Down continued to match Tipperary with scores from Denise Maguire, Emma O’Reilly and Michaela Downey, the second period saw the first of two controversial moments which would prove pivotal to the result.  A Down scoring effort that appeared to sneak under the bar was given as a point despite the Down protestations.  Michaela Downey, now playing in the full forward line, brought the teams level with a goal five minutes from time.  The Mourne County then appeared to get the winning goal until the referee ruled it out for goalkeeper interference.  From the resulting free, Tipperary moved up the field and scored from a subsequent free kick, with the game ending thereafter. Down will be disappointed with their performance in what was a crucial game.  Their defeat was matched by their Ulster rival, Fermanagh, who succumbed to Dublin B. All eyes now turn to the Championship series.