Kilkenny were pipped at the post in Sunday’s All-Ireland U16A camogie championship final, writes Daragh O’Conchuir.
Cork survived a late scare to grab a record 14th Tesco All-Ireland U16A Camogie title, defeating Kilkenny in a pulsating affair by 2-12 to 2-10 at St Brendan’s Park in Birr.
After going 16 years from 2013 with a crown at this level, the Rebels have now secured their second in three seasons, as a reward for redoubled efforts at underage level in the Rebel County.
Kilkenny began best with points from Lauren Ronan and Rachel Dowling but Gráinne Finn and Caoimhe Sheehan brought Cork level. The Leesiders had moved two ahead when Rose Kelly goaled in the 27th minute.
There is no doubt that the next puckout was the most significant of the game as Cork hit with an identical score a minute later from Fiona Twohig and that gave her side a lead they would never relinquish.
Close at the break
It was 1-8 to 1-6 at the interval and points from Finn and Sinéád Hurley quickly doubled the margin. Kilkenny kept plugging away but Emily O’Donoghue’s goal at the three-quarter mark gave the Reds some vital breathing space.
An O’Donoghue point put five between the sides and though Ronan goaled for the Cats right on the hour, victory would be Cork’s.
