For long periods the outcome was in doubt, but in the end Kilkenny turned on the style as they crucified the Tipperary challenge.
Trailing 0-5 to 0-4 at half-time, despite having wind-advantage, Kilkenny looked in danger.
Tipperary stretched the lead further in the early stages of the restart, 0-8 to 0-5, before Michelle Quilty grabbed an equalising goal. Tipp responded with points from the excellent Jill Horan and Claire Grogan, as they dominated the middle area, with the score now at 0-10 to 1-5.
However Kilkenny turned on the magic, outscoring the Premier ladies 3-3 to 0-2 over the closing quarter, as Áine Fahy, Shelley Farrell and Aoife Neary added goals to confirm their overall dominance.
A crucial decisive moment came in the 55th minute, when Tipperary were awarded a free.
Cora Hennessy stepped up on the 20 metre line, and she went for goal. However her well-struck attempt was brilliantly blocked by Catriona Ryan, before Elaine Aylward stood tall as the sliothar was eventually cleared.
Unquestionably this was Kilkenny’s most impressive display of the year, as they played with a cutting edge and tenacity, especially when the match was in the balance.
Team captain Elaine Aylward returned to her very best as she restricted danger woman Claire Grogan to a solitary point from play, and was a constant driving force as her long clearances inspired her troops around her.
Denise Gaule had her best game at inter-county for over a year. The Windgap forward scored two excellent points from play in the 17th minute in quick succession, while her work-rate was first class.
The full-back line has been Kilkenny’s best line in the championship, and last Saturday they were completely dominant, restricting the Tipp inside line to just two points from play.
Colette Dormer was superb, Catherine Doherty – Kilkenny’s best performer this year – excelled again.
Two points separated the sides with two minutes of normal time remaining, and Kilkenny’s third goal in the 58th minute sealed a priceless victory.
It was the goal of the year.
A Tipperary scoring chance was denied by strong Kilkenny defending with Aisling Dunphy winning a free-out right on her own end-line.
Catriona Ryan began the move, and Anne Dalton won possession in midfield. Dalton laid off to Edel Maher, who dashed through the Tipperary defence.
Kilkenny are back in business and the bandwagon rolls on, as the Banner ladies come to Kilkenny on Saturday.
Scorers – Kilkenny: Michelle Quilty 1-4 (0-2 frees ), Aine Fahy 1-1, Shelley Farrell and Aoife Neary 1-0 each, Denise Gaule 0-2, Anne Dalton 0-1
Tipperary: Claire Grogan 0-4 (0-3 frees ), Jill Horan 0-3, Joanne Ryan and Noreen Flanagan 0-2 each, Mary Ryan 0-1.
