Newly returned to senior ranks, Tipperary had a surprise 3-11 to 3-10 victory over Kilkenny through goals from Noelle Kennedy, Deirdre Hughes and Eimear McDonnell.
A long free by Colette Nevin to Anne Forde who scored a goal followed by two Galway points to secure a three-point win.
Ian O'Riordan wrote in the Irish Times: Lynn Dunlea was simply outstanding at full forward, drilling over nine points, six from frees, and proving once again how games can be won or lost with dependable free-takers.
Considering Mellerick had planned to retire after last season's victory, you just had to wonder where she continues to get her energy and enthusiasm.” Jim O'Sullivan, who described Mellerick’s performance as her “her best ever in the red and white” wrote in the Irish Examiner: This was a victory for grit and determination, a never-say-die attitude that many a male side could copy and an absolute will to win that will set this team apart from all the others.
Picture the scene: Cork, who could only manage a four-point (2-7 to 0-9) half time lead after playing with the driving wind and rain, were battling with their backs to the wall and a point in front with four minutes to go, as Galway threw everything at them in search of the winning goal.