Month: September 2021

THERE’S PLENTY IRISH interest to keep an eye as the 2018 AFL finals series began today but there was disappointment for Meath’s Conor Nash as his Hawthorn side lost out to Richmond.

Conor Nash, Zach Tuohy and Mark O’Connor are all focused on the 2018 AFL Finals.

Source: PA

The first qualifying final saw Richmond defeat Hawthorn 95-64 at the MCG earlier today.

Conor Nash (second left) after Hawthorn’s defeat to Richmond.

Source: AAP/PA Images

Simonstown Gaels club man Nash, who signed a new two-year contract with Hawthorn recently, kicked a goal in his team’s defeat but the result does not end their interest in the end of season fare.

Nice mark from Conor Nash.#AFLFinals pic.twitter.com/afk8Ym6H6a

— AFL (@AFL) September 6, 2018

While Richmond advance to the first preliminary final on 21 September, Hawthorn will face a semi-final tie on 14 September against Melbourne or Geelong.

That game takes place tomorrow in the first elimination final with Portlaoise native Zach Tuohy selected for Geelong in what will be his 168th AFL appearance, while Dingle’s Mark O’Connor will also see action as he is included as an interchange.

Geelong’s Zach Tuohy.

Source: AAP/PA Images

Mark O’Connor in action recently for Geelong against Gold Coast Suns.

Source: AAP/PA Images

Tuohy will have happy memories from Geelong’s most recent game against Melbourne when he scored a dramatic, late match-winning goal.

ZACH TUOHY KICKS THE MATCH WINNER AFTER THE SIREN!#AFLCatsDees pic.twitter.com/0xknyuwHTL

— AFL (@AFL) July 21, 2018

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LOSING THE LIBERTY Insurance All-Ireland senior camogie championship final by one point, having led with just seconds of regulation time remaining, is difficult to take.

Having to watch from the sidelines, after being ruled out through injury, only adds to the acrid taste that lingers from the experience.

Claire Phelan.

Source: Oisin Keniry/INPHO

“It was just after the last round of round-robin games and I tore my hamstring in a club championship game,” recalls Claire Phelan. “It was before the semi-final. Then I was training, coming back and I tore it again just before the All-Ireland final.

“I just wasn’t going to be ready. I didn’t pass the fitness test before the All-Ireland. I togged out and was hoping I might see some of it but realistically, I just wasn’t ready. It was taking too much time to heal.

“That was tough. You want to be on the pitch and it was such a tough game… You’re standing there watching, and the game was so close, you’re always thinking what you could bring to it and what you could do but unfortunately it wasn’t going to work for me. The injury was never going to heal up in time. It was very hard, very tough to watch but the girls gave it their absolute all and did everything they possibly could. Cork are a great team and they showed it that day.

“This year, hopefully I’ll be able to hold onto my place and maybe do something on the pitch in Croke Park, if I’m lucky enough to be on.”

Now 24 – she will be 25 in November – Phelan need have no worries about being on the pitch, fitness allowing, having re-established herself again as Kilkenny completed a three-in-a-row in the league and return to the scene of the crime – and, it should be said, the scene of the glory of 2016 – for a third consecutive clash with Cork in an All-Ireland final.

It was Ann Downey who called her into the squad when she was just a fifth year pupil in 2011, during Downey’s second stint as manager. When the legendary figure returned a third time, she oversaw that long-awaited All-Ireland success.

Of course Phelan has long been in thrall to Downey and her sister Angela, who along with another multiple All-Ireland-winning sister with Kilkenny, Marina, garnered an All-Ireland club title with Lisdowney in 1994, when Phelan was just a few months old. These were the names that inspired the young girl picking up a hurley around that club then and now.

“Oh God yeah” says Phelan, who is now a primary school teacher. “Growing up you were hearing about them and watching out for them up in the pitch. It was great to have superstars like that in the mix at home in your own club. And then, as I was growing up, playing under Ann and Angela was an even bigger thing. They have all the knowledge of the game, they’ve been there and done that and you couldn’t ask for better really.”

Brigid Barnaville and Anna Whelan were others from Lisdowney to participate in the golden period of Kilkenny camogie but it was Ann and Angela who led the way, with 12 All-Irelands each. Now Ann is captain of the ship, with Angela, Marina and another former great, Breda Holmes working selflessly.

In action in the 2016 All-Ireland final.

Source: Tommy Dickson/INPHO

“What Angela and Breda Holmes, and Marina do, between water and jerseys and hurls – some of the best people to ever play camogie and they’re happy out to be there in the background to help with all these things. We’re so lucky to have them and we don’t even realise it at times the work they’re doing. They’ll go to all the lengths they can to help us.

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“They’re putting everything they can into it, in any way at all. It’s not about them winning anymore. They’re thinking about us and the future of camogie in Kilkenny. They were fortunate enough to be the stars a few years ago and they’re looking after us now and hoping we can do the same, to keep camogie strong in the county.”

Phelan has two All-Ireland medals a-piece at minor and U16 level to go with her senior memento. And while Lisdowney provided ready-made role models, she had had significant influences even closer to home. With three brothers (Seán, Martin and James), she quickly developed a toughness that has stood to her as the physicality of camogie has increased spectacularly in recent years.

“Growing up with three boys at home, they probably gave me a bit of a battering but it did me good and probably got me where I am. And they wouldn’t be afraid still to throw a few digs if we were out in the back garden!

“The lads would have played underage with Kilkenny and are heavily involved with the club here. They’re always out with the hurling ball as well, it’s just the natural way of life at home. Our parents are fed up with us going in and out with hurls and gear and everything.”

One imagines that there were many broken windows over the years.

“Oh God, there’s still some broken!” says Phelan laughing.

Getting to Croke Park is the reward for them all. And having missed out 12 months ago, they will relish it just that little bit more.

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LIMERICK ALL-IRELAND winner Richie McCarthy has become the latest member of their squad to be hit with a cruciate setback.

Richie McCarthy (left) celebrating Limerick’s All-Ireland final victory.

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

The Limerick senior hurling team management have confirmed this morning that McCarthy tore his cruciate in a club game last weekend.

He was in action for Blackrock in the Limerick premier intermediate hurling championship against Pallasgreen last Friday evening when the injury occurred.

The statement read:

“Following a scan this week we can confirm that Richie has suffered an ACL knee injury playing with his club Blackrock last weekend which will require surgery in the coming weeks.

“The management team, backroom team and entire panel of players wish Richie the very best in his recovery and ensure him of our fullest support in the months ahead. We have every faith in his ability to work through this challenge and look forward to seeing him back on the pitch with Limerick and Blackrock in 2019.”

Richie McCarthy in action for Limerick against Galway’s Niall Burke.

The injury is a major blow to the experienced defender, who came on as a substitute in the 50th minute of the decider last month when Limerick ended a 45-year wait for Liam MacCarthy Cup glory.

He is the second Limerick player to have sustained such an injury this year with midfielder Paul Browne tearing his cruciate in 2011. Sean Finn, Seamus Hickey and Kevin Downes are other members of the Limerick squad to have faced long spells out of action due to cruciate injuries in recent seasons.

The 30-year-old made his senior championship debut for Limerick in 2011 and quickly established himself in the side. He was a key part of the 2013 Munster senior hurling triumph and won an All-Star award that year as well.

In 2010 he helped his club Blackrock win the All-Ireland junior hurling crown in Croke Park.

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Source: Robin Alam

1. “IN JULY, A huge family reunion in Youngstown brought McCullough, Briggs, Smith and Comer together for the first time. All of McCullough’s parents in one place, reflecting on nurture versus nature, what is inherited versus what is taught and the many different forms of parenthood. It was both the culmination of a journey and the start of something new for the families that the journey had introduced. A man found his parents, a mother found her child, and a father discovered a son he never knew he was missing. There is no jealousy, no resentment and no regret. There is just gratitude for the winding paths that brought them all together.

“When I look at Deland, the type of guy he is, it was a gift to us,” Smith says. “And to think — Deland felt we were a gift to him.”

“Now I know who I am and where I’m from,” McCullough says. “I got all of the pieces to the story. I got them all now.””

ESPN’s Sarah Spain penned the jaw-dropping story behind NFL coach Deland McCullough’s search for his family.

2. “Dublin are champions again. Just one more step away from immortality, but weighed down by that same, familiar reticence.

THE HURLING AND football championships witnessed the dawning of a new age during the 2018 season. 

Cormac Costello celebrates winning the All-Ireland final.

Source: Tommy Dickson/INPHO

Alterations to the provincial hurling competitions, the arrival of the Super 8s series and the new dates for the All-Ireland finals have changed the landscape of the GAA.

Like with any movement in sport, teams have had to adapt to these changes and the increased number of games has tested the depth of panels across both codes.

Additionally, the GAA is now in an era where matches are closer to 80 minutes in length rather than 70. This is largely due to the time accumulated through substitutions, with referees adding on roughly 20 seconds for every sub that is made.

The All-Ireland football final produced seven minutes of added time while the hurling decider lasted for 78 minutes, although a head injury to Galway keeper James Skehill largely contributed to the time added on in that game.

Galway keeper James Skehill leaving the pitch during the All-Ireland final.

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

In any case, all of these factors have combined to place a bigger emphasis on impact subs coming in with fresh legs to offset the fatigue in their teammates and eke out a result.

Shane Dowling

Limerick’s incredible journey to ending a 45-year wait for the Liam MacCarthy would not have been possible without the Na Piarsaigh club man.

Dowling was previously a regular face in the Limerick attack but a devastating knee injury in October of 2017 kept him out of action until the following year and halted his return to the starting team.

A suspension for Aaron Gillane earned Dowling a recall to the team against Waterford in the Munster championship, where he registered 0-15 (13f) and kept his place for the next round against Clare.

Shane Dowling rejoices after Limerick’s win in Croke Park.

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

He scored a point as a second-half substitute in their All-Ireland quarter-final victory over Kilkenny but it wasn’t until the All-Ireland semi-final against Cork that he truly came to life in the championship.

Dowling came off the bench in the 56th minute when Limerick’s challenge looked to be fading and scored an impressive 1-4, including an extra-time penalty to send Limerick back to an All-Ireland final for the first time in 11 years. 

His off-the-bench exploits proved critical once again in that final against the reigning champions Galway.

Dowling came on once again in the 56th minute and rattled the net to propel his side to an historic All-Ireland victory.

Peter Casey.

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

Similar to Dowling, Peter Casey made a welcome return to the Limerick attack after a shoulder injury lay-off during the Munster round robin series. 

He chipped in with two points when he was introduced just before the hour-mark against Kilkenny to help push Limerick into an All-Ireland semi-final where he also came on as a sub.

In the All-Ireland final, he made another vital impact by providing the assist for Dowling’s goal against Galway after dispossessing Adrian Tuohey and engineering the counter-attack.

Cormac Costello

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Much of what makes Jim Gavin such an accomplished manager is his ability to ensure he has a formidable bench to call upon at any given time. 

The panel approach has been a key characteristic of this four-in-a-row winning Dublin side, and different players have occupied the impact-player role at different times.

In 2018, Cormac Costello diligently carried out the duties of the impact sub and could feel rightly aggrieved to have not been handed a starting jersey in the crunch championship games. 

Source: Tommy Dickson/INPHO

He started at wing-half forward in their final Super 8s game against Roscommon and top-scored for his side with 0-9 before he was withdrawn in the 47th minute. But that was a dead-rubber tie as Dublin had already booked their place in the All-Ireland semi-finals.

He made vital contributions off the bench elsewhere in the Super 8s series and also chipped in with three points in the All-Ireland semi-final victory over Galway.

 Aron Shanagher

Following his return from a cruciate ligament injury, Aron Shanagher made a powerful impact for the Clare hurlers in both of their semi-finals against Galway. After coming on as a late substitute in normal time, Shanagher rifled a shot into the roof of the net in extra-time as the sides played out a thrilling draw in Croke Park.

They reconvened in Semple Stadium the following weekend where Shanagher made his presence felt once again after coming off the bench with seven minutes of normal time left to play.

Aron Shanagher.

Source: Tommy Dickson/INPHO

He finished with a tally of one point but should have scored a goal as well. After his first shot was saved, Shanagher was quickest to pounce on the rebound with an open goal at his mercy.

His first-time flick however came back out off the post and Galway managed to squeeze through to the final.

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Dublin 1-12
Kerry 0-6

AOIFE BUGLER’S 15TH-MINUTE goal was the crucial score as Dublin’s camogie revolution continued with victory in the Liberty Insurance All-Ireland Premier Junior Camogie Final.

It was redemption for the victors after losing last year’s decider but although the margin was emphatic and the pain of defeat will linger, this is only the beginning for the Kingdom, their first appearance at Croke Park coming less than a decade after the inauguration of a county team.

This day was about the Dubs though. Bugler was just one of an impressive attacking cast in which Player of the Match Caragh Dawson and Laoise Quinn shone, while at the other end of the pitch, the redoubtable Deirdre Johnstone led an unyielding defensive effort.

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Bugler, who was named Premier Junior Player of the Year last year despite Dublin falling short, suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury shortly after the final and only returned for the Blues’ semi-final win over Offaly last month, in which she scored a goal and three points.

She matched that tally on this occasion but this was an excellent team display.

Shane Plowman had his team set up to pull out and leave considerable space in front of his front three, and then it was about the supply.

They were well drilled in this regard and Bugler’s goal was a product of it, Quinn drilling a low ball in front of her that she gathered neatly, before turning Niamh Leen and firing high to the far corner.

She almost had another from the next attack but Leen got back well to deny her and indeed, held her own in a brilliant individual duel.

Emer Keenan and Deirdre Johnstone lift the Kay Mills Cup.

Source: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO

Patrice Diggin settled Kerry with a couple of pointed frees but Aoibhe Dillon did likewise at the other end, showing good composure in doing so having missed a couple of early opportunities.

But Dublin had more firepower and added three points from play, the highlight of which was a splendid score by Bugler that combined subtlety, strength and accuracy.

They led by 1-6 to 0-2 at the break and though Kerry were much improved in the second half and Laura Collins’s point after sublime stickwork from Jessica Fitzell offered a glimpse of their capabilities, they never looked like getting the goal they needed to get back into proceedings.

Bugler took over the freetaking duties to good effect when Dillon was substituted and the gap remained comfortable.

Kerry boss Stephen Goggin took the opportunity to give as many of his players as possible a taste of Headquarters on All-Ireland final day, in the hope that it might stand to them in the long term.

Plowman did the same and managed to get skipper Emer Keenan on in the dying seconds, having been sidelined by a cruciate ligament injury suffered four months ago.

Within minutes, Keenan was lifting the trophy named in honour of Dublin’s greatest player Kay Mills, and offering classy words of comfort to the vanquished Kerry, before the celebrations were on in earnest.

Scorers for Dublin: A Bugler 1-3 (2f); A Dillon 0-3 (3f); S Wylde, L Quinn (1f) 0-2 each; C Dawson, E Keenan 0-1

Scorers for Kerry: P Diggin 0-5 (5f); L Collins 0-1

DUBLIN: K Kantounia, E O’Riordan, N Gleeson, S Murphy, E Barron, D Johnstone, C Ní Mhaolagáin, H O’Dea, S Wylde, C Dawson, A Dillon, A Dooley, A Walsh, A Bugler, L Quinn.

Subs: L O’Shea for Dillon (38), E Twomey for Dooley (56), L Walsh for Bugler (60+2)

KERRY: A Fitzgerald, L Houlihan, N Leen, M Costello, A O’Connor, S Murphy, E Harrington, O Young, Diggin, C Shanahan, L Collins, A Behan, J Fitzell, J Horgan, N Casey.

Subs: R McCarthy for Harrington inj (25), E Ryall for O’Connor (41), A Whelan for Casey (46), K Buckley for Shanahan (55), J O’Keeffe for Fitzell (59)

Referee: A Doheny (Laois).

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Cork 1-13
Down 0-9

Kevin O’Brien reports from Croke Park

CORK SUFFERED DEFEAT in six All-Irelands intermediate camogie finals since 2006, including the last three years in-a-row, but they put that losing run to bed by collecting their fourth title at the grade this afternoon.

Source: Bryan Keane/INPHO

The Rebelettes were beaten in the last three finals to Meath (twice) and Kilkenny, while they also lost three deciders in succession between 2007-09 – two of them after a replay.

But 1-6 from Catriona Collins and 0-4 from Saoirse McCarthy helped the Rebellettes past a plucky Down outfit in Croke Park. Collins’s goal in the 40th minute helped Cork into a six-point lead and from there they never looked back.

Courcey Rovers star McCarthy clipped over four outstanding scores and was deservedly named player of the match afterwards.

Down were seeking to win the trophy for the first time in 20 years and despite a good showing, they lacked the clinical edge up front to hurt Cork.

It was an impressive attacking performance from Cork, who posted 1-9 from open play, while defensively they finished the campaign without conceding a single goal.

For manager Paudie Murray there was little time to celebrate as his focused turned to the senior decider against Kilkenny.

Source: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO

Down showed no early signs of nerves from the throw-in and scored from their first five shots at the target to take an early 0-5 to 0-2 lead.

Cork dominated the second quarter and scored five unanswered before the break, with corner-forwards Caroline Sugrue and Caitriona Collins edging their battles inside.

Saoirse McCarthy was Cork’s most impressive player in the first period and had three scores of the highest quality on the board by the interval.

Down were back on level terms five minutes into the second-half after efforts from Niamh Mallon and Saoirse Sands. Cork responded in devastating fashion, posting 1-3 to move five ahead by the 42nd minute. 

The goal arrived after a devastating run by Finola Neville that saw her handpass to Collins on the edge of the area. Collins spun away and rifled it into the net past the helpless Maria McNally. 

Source: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO

Sara-Louise Carr, daughter of two-time All-Ireland football winner Ross Carr, was one of Down’s best attacking threats but she was dismissed on a second yellow card in the 49th minute.

Carr was on a yellow from the first half when she was pulled for a charging – a call that looked harsh – and referee John Dermody produced a second yellow card before sending her off.

Sara-Louise’s sister Fionnuala fired over a free for Down, but late scores from Saoirse McCarthy and substitute Cliona Healy helped Cork to victory.

Scorers for Cork: Catriona Collins 1-6 (0-4f), Saoirse McCarthy 0-4, Caroline Sugrue 0-2, Cliona Healy 0-1 (0-1f).

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Scorers for Down: Niamh Mallon 0-3 (0-1f), Saoirse Sands 0-2, Fionnuala Carr (0-1f), Paula Gribben, Sara-Louise Carr and Aimee McAleenan 0-1 each.

Cork 

1. Amy Lee (Na Piarsaigh)

4. Niamh Ni Chaoimh (Killeagh)
3. Sarah Harrington (Fr O’Neills)
6. Jennifer Barry (Bride Rovers)

7. Lauren Callanan (Glen Rovers)
2. Leah Weste (Ballincollig)
8. Sarah Buckley (Ballincollig)

9. Katelyn Hickey (Blackrock)
5. Siobhan Hutchinson (Eire Og)

10. Laura Hayes (St Catherines)
11. Finola Neville (St Catherines)
12. Saoirse McCarthy (Courcey Rovers)

13. Caroline Sugrue (Ballinascarthy )
14. Maeve McCarthy (Sarsfields)
15. Caitriona Collins (Ballinhassig)

Subs

19. Cliona Healy (Aghabullogue) for Maeve McCarthy (39)
17. Rachel O’Callaghan (St Catherines) for Sugrue (60)
20. Roisin Killeen (Ballyhea) for Callanan (62)

Down 

1. Marie McNally (Portaferry)

4. Nicole Kelly (An Riocht)
3. Allannah Savage (Ballygalget)
2. Clare McGilligan (Clonduff)

5. Blainaid Savage (Ballygalget)
7. Dearbhla (Liatroim Fontenoys)
8. Catherine Rocks (Bredagh)

9. Paula Cribben (Clonduff)
10. Deirbhile Savage (Ballygalget) 

12. Sara-Louise Carr (Clonduff)
14. Niamh Mallon (Portaferry) 
11. Aimee McAlleenan (Liatroim Fontenoys)

13. Saoirse Sands (Portaferry)
6. Fionnuala Carr (Clonduff)
16. Orlagh Caldwell (Mayobridge)

Subs

15. Orla Gribben (Clonduff) for Magee (blood sub, 14 – 28)
15. Cribben for Caldwell (29)
20. Clara Cowan (Clonduff) for McGilligan (52)

Referee: John Dermody (Westmeath)

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1. Taking stock

Tough year. So grateful to have sport as a distraction. Hard luck tyrone. That's for you da #walterwhite #4inarow pic.twitter.com/gyqBUWvfqW

— Philly Mc Mahon (@PhillyMcMahon) September 2, 2018

2. No Philter

So honored to be a part of Team USA!
PHEELING PATRIOTIC
PHEELING PHIERCE! 🇺🇸🕺#RyderCup @RyderCupUSA pic.twitter.com/6NGa6ESXxU

— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) September 4, 2018

3. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree

Nothing will beat this. Thank you dad @petercrouch pic.twitter.com/QMNOpk72XQ

— Rob x (@Robert_avfc14) September 8, 2018

4. Explains a lot

Guys who try to obnoxiously lecture you about football, get stuff wrong, then lock their accounts are the absolute backbone of this country

— Marina Hyde (@MarinaHyde) September 8, 2018

5. One week to go

Just got this pic from a photographer that was at the gym in Dublin two weeks ago I've never been more ready @lemieuxboxing ya fat little prick with your big mouth your retirement from boxing is getting closer by the day 👊 pic.twitter.com/otDDKZiJEr

— Gary Spike OSullivan (@spike_osullivan) September 8, 2018

6. Burning money

BREAKING: Nike’s online sales jumped a staggering 31% after they announced their Colin Kaepernick campaign.

Some boycott!!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

— Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) September 7, 2018

7. Never forget

Adriano's Left Foot in Pro Evo 6 https://t.co/ouy4G1I4wR

— I Know A Cracking Owl Sanctuary (@BrianKiddsMate) September 7, 2018

8. Thanks for the cheese

Hey Dana remember that time you fired me and talked all that shit on me to the world and called me a loser? I just wanted to say thank you for everything dummy 😂😂😂 #bro #kingofbros #splx #stallion #wwe #nxt #ufc #danawhite pic.twitter.com/y5yH6POwKw

— matthew riddle (@SuperKingofBros) September 8, 2018

9. GOAT

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Hahaha my boy steve Willis!!!! pic.twitter.com/jcNYOUqMCR

— Raw boii (@RaiderNationRaw) September 9, 2018

10. Sorry, Jurgen…

“So, I’m gonna put his rent up and not fix those taps…” 😂 pic.twitter.com/opTfp08mfo

— James Milner (@JamesMilner) September 8, 2018

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Cork 0-14 
Kilkenny 0-13

Kevin O’Brien reports from Croke Park

CORK BROKE KILKENNY hearts in injury-time on All-Ireland final day for the second year in succession as Orla Cotter’s fifth free of the day proved the winner. 

Cork captain Aoife Murray lifts the O’Duffy Cup

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

With the sides locked at 0-13 apiece in the 61st minute, Cotter won a debatable free near the sideline and held her nerve to slot it over and seal Cork’s fourth title in five years.

Kilkenny lost last year’s final in equally devastating manner when injury-time scores from Gemma O’Connor and Julia White stole the 2017 title for Cork.

The latest edition of this of this riveting rivalry produced another heart-stopping encounter but late frees from the excellent Chloe Sigerson and Cotter saw Cork retain the crown.

Kilkenny arrived into this game as the three-in-a-row league champions and won all five games on their way to the final with an average winning margin of over 10 points, but Cork’s ability to see out a tight encounter proved the difference once again.

21,467 was today’s official attendance in Croke Park, marginally up on last year’s crowd of 20,037 but still well short of the 46,500 that attended the 2017 Ladies football final. 

There were some misgivings over the defensive nature of last year’s decider amid worry the game was becoming too negative. Both defences were on top once again this afternoon in a cagey affair where the majority of scores came through frees. 

Amy O’Connor battles for possession with Davina Tobin, Ann Dalton and Grace Walsh

Source: Bryan Keane/INPHO

A tactical battle saw Cork flood midfield with bodies as Kilkenny withdrew a forward to utilise Claire Phelan as sweeper, with Katie Power and Anna Farrell their a two-woman full-forward line. 

Grace Walsh, sister of Tommy and Padraig Walsh, formed part of an impressive Kilkenny defence that kept Cork’s talented attack quiet. It was at the far end where Kilkenny struggled to trouble the scoreboard and they had just four different scores with only 0-4 from play.

The movement in Cork’s front six was excellent and they raced out of the blocks into a 0-4 to 0-1 lead. They’d have been further in front had goalkeeper Aoife Murray dispatched her seventh-minute penalty into the net, but instead she drilled it over the bar.

Denise Gaule dragged Kilkenny back into the game with her accurate free-taking. It took Cork until the 23rd minute to score from play, which was a good indication of the stop-start nature of this contest.

Near the end of half things started to warm up and we were finally treated to some free-flowing camogie. Gaule’s fifth score of the day was a stunning point from play near her own 65, but Cork ensured they were level at the interval after two fine Orla Cronin scores.

Anna Farrell takes on Laura Treacy

Source: Tommy Dickson/INPHO

A brace of frees from Cotter pushed Cork two ahead but Kilkenny were back on level terms through a long-range Meighan Farrell score and a placed ball from Gaule.

Five-time All-Star Cotter put a scoreable free from inside the 45m well wide and at the far end Kilkenny forced two good saves out of Murray. She denied Anna Farrell and Miriam Walsh from close-range but Gaule floated over the 65 to push the Cats clear. 

Amy O’Connor hit Cork’s first score from play in 23 minutes to level the game at 0-12 apiece with three minutes left on the clock. Sigerson sent over a bomb from 70m but Kilkenny equalised immediately through another Gaule free. 

As the game ticked into stoppage-time, Cotter was deemed to have been fouled as she was surrounded by Cats defenders. After missing a very scoreable free 10 minutes earlier, she made no mistake from the pressure free to seal the title. 

Scorers for Cork: Orla Cotter 0-5 (0-5f), Chloe Sigerson 0-3 (0-3f), Orla Cronin and Katrina Mackey 0-2 each, Amy O’Connor and Aoife Murray (0-1 pen) 0-1 each.

Scorers for Kilkenny: Denise Gaule 0-10 (0-7f, 0-2 45), Meighan Farrell, Julie Ann Malone and Michelle Quilty 0-1 each.

Cork

1. Jonny Cooper with 4-year-old Dawn Fahy from Cork and 6-year-old Zoe Lonergan from Firhouse at Crumlin’s Children Hospital

Source: Oisin Keniry/INPHO

2. Naomi Osaka pictured after beating Serena Williams to win the US Open in New York

Source: Dubreuil Corinne/ABACA

3. Cian Healy takes to the field ahead of Leinster’s Pro14 meeting with Scarlets

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

4. Rory McIlroy hits his tee shot on the 4th hole during the third round of the BMW Championship

Source: SIPA USA/PA Images

5. Amir Khan and Samuel Vargas in action during their Welterweight contest in Arena Birmingham

Source: Nick Potts

6. Munster’s Fineen Wycherley dejected after Munster’s Pro14 defeat against Glasgow on Saturday

Source: Inpho/Billy Stickland

7. Ireland’s Gary O’Donovan and Paul O’Donovan cruise into the quarter-finals of the World Rowing Championships in Bulgaria

Source: Detlev Seyb/INPHO

8. Daryl Horgan dejected following Ireland’s 4-1 Nations League defeat to Wales in Cardiff

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

9. 5 month old Tadhg Scannell (son of Briege Corkery) pictured in the O’Duffy Cup following Cork’s All-Ireland camogie victory

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

10. Leah Weste celebrates with her teammates after Cork’s All-Ireland intermediate camogie final win against Down at Croke Park

Source: Bryan Keane/INPHO

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