The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams trading blows throughout. Tuam/Oughterard were first to get on the scoreboard, scoring two early tries through Megan Walsh and Molly Boote to establish a 12-0 lead in the first twenty minutes. However, Malone quickly responded with a try from Anna Stanfield two minutes later. Alexa McMullan added the extras, reducing the deficit to 12-7.
Tuam/Oughterard extended their lead with a try from Karly Tierney, but Malone continued to fight back, with McMullan crossing the line and converting her own try in the 30th minute.
Tuam/Oughterard would have the last say of the half, with Alicia Costello’s try extending their lead to 24-14 as the whistle blew.
HT: Malone 14 – 24 Tuam/Oughterard
Malone came out with a fighting spirit, knowing they had a tall order to fulfil if they were to make the final. The second half was a tense affair, with both teams battling for every inch of the field. Shirelle Wilson emerged as a key figure for Malone, scoring two crucial tries to level the score at 24-24 with just fifteen minutes left on the clock.
The tension was palpable, with both teams driving hard for the next points on the board. Malone had a few agonising attempts that fell just short of the whitewash.
With time running out, Tuam/Oughterard regained the lead with a penalty from Walsh right in front of the posts, extending their score to 27-24 with only three minutes to go.
It looked like it was all over, but Malone, inspired by their passionate supporters, refused to give up. In a moment of sheer brilliance, Stanfield powered over the line for her second try of the match as the clock ran into the red, sealing Malone’s victory. Alexa McMullan's conversion would be the last kick of the game, and with the final whistle blown, the score read 31-27.
FT: Malone 31 – 27 Tuam/Oughterard
Malone will go on to face current title holders, MU Barnhall in the final on 18 Janaury 2025, after their comprehensive win against Tralee at the weekend.