GAA: O'Dwyer steps down as Derry miss semi-final spot on score difference

A late Grainne McGoldrick goal saw Derry defeat Tipperary 3-5 to 1-10 on Saturday at Owenbeg, but like last season, missed out on a semi-final spot on score difference. The Oakleafers are also on the lookout for a new manager, as John O'Dwyer stepped down after two seasons at the helm. The Tipperary native informed the squad of his decision after the game. Down's 7-28 to 1-7 win over Wexford saw them qualify as group winners, with Tipperary finishing in second place. Derry won the toss and elected to play against the breeze. An 11th minute Mairead McNicholl rocket to the top corner put Derry 1-1 to 0-3 ahead but an Eimear McGrath goal before the break rocked the home side. Tipperary, who knew any sort of win would do them, played the game on their terms - preventing Derry to settle into an sort of rhythm A Grainne McGoldrick goal levelled the game (2-3 to 1-6) after 40 minutes. With Jenny Grace on form with her frees, Tipp looked to have won the game until McGoldrick's late strike. Report and reaction in Tuesday's County Derry Post. Derry: Niamh McQuillan; Bróna Ní Chaiside, Janet McGuckin; Caoimhe Glass; Aoife Ní Chaiside, Megan Kerr, Aoife Quinn; Dervla O’Kane, Mairead McNicholl (1-0); Mary Hegarty, Aine McAllister, Grainne McNicholl; Therese Mellon, Karen Kielt, Grainne McGoldrick (2-5, 5f). Sub: Kelly-Marie Hegarty for M Hegarty (41), Niamh Boylan for K Kielt (55), Shauneen Donaghy for G McNicholl (55). Tipperary: Ciara Houlihan; Beth Ryan, Sabrina Larkin, Ciara Ryan; Claire Stakelum (0-1), Laura Shinners, Emma Carey; Nicola Loughnane, Sarah Delaney (0-1); Ciara McKeogh (0-2), Jenny Grace (0-5f), Andrea Loughnane; Áine Dwyer; Eimear McGrath (1-1), Clodagh McIntyre (0-1). Sub: Joanne Ryan for Á Dwyer (38), Aoife McLoughney for A Loughnane (51), Sinead Meagher for C Ryan (51), Christina Brennan for C McIntyre (57), Niamh Ryan for N Loughnane (60+1). Pic: Mary K Burke.