Dublin U23A Launch Championship Campaign with gritty battle against Tipperary

The 2026 Championship campaign is up and running and Dublin U23A kicked it off in style, bringing intensity, resilience and a full dose of drama from the very first whistle.

On Sunday29th in St Peregrines, Dublin showed real grit and determination, battling to a hard-earned draw against a resilient Tipperary side, with the contest finishing 1-09 to 0-12 after a fiercely competitive encounter. Before throw-in, both teams stood united for a poignant minute’s silence in honour of DLGFA Secretary Mary O’Connor, a fitting and powerful tribute to a woman who gave so much to our ladies games and our community. Her legacy extends far beyond the pitch, and her contribution will not be forgotten.

Lightning Start from Dublin

Fuelled by a strong first-half wind and building on the momentum of last year’s U23B title-winning campaign, Dublin burst out of the blocks from the throw-in. Playing with purpose and precision, they combined sharp movement with confident attacking play—and it didn’t take long for that dominance to tell. Emer Keogh made the early breakthrough, finding the net within minutes to lift the home crowd and set the tone. That goal sparked a sustained spell of Dublin pressure, with slick interplay and accurate shooting driving them further ahead. By the 15-minute mark, Dublin were firmly in control at 1-4 to 0-1, and they continued to dictate the tempo for the remainder of the half. Dominant across the pitch, they extended their lead to 1-7 to 0-3 at the break, underlining their authority and intent.

Tipperary Storm Back

But Championship battles are never straightforward. With the wind now in their favour, Tipperary emerged for the second half with real intent, raising the tempo and putting Dublin under sustained pressure. Score by score, they clawed their way back into the contest, shifting momentum and tightening the gap. Then came the pivotal moment. With just 10 minutes remaining, Tipperary were awarded a penalty—a huge chance to swing the game in their favour. The tension around St Peregrines was palpable… but Dublin were thrown a lifeline as the effort went unconverted, keeping them narrowly in front and setting up a dramatic finish.

Down to the Wire.. The closing stages were electric. Tipperary threw everything forward, but Dublin stood tall under pressure, matching them score for score in a tense and gripping finale. Every possession mattered. Every score felt huge. And when the final whistle sounded, nothing could separate the sides: 1-09 to 0-12. A fierce contest. A true test. A statement of intent.

Eyes on Cork

It’s a promising start for Dublin U23A battle-hardened, resilient, and with plenty still to come. Next up is a big away clash against Cork, where they’ll look to build on this performance and turn momentum into a first win.

The championship is up and running and Dublin are firmly in the fight.