Two very sporting, determined and skillful teams made this under 14 Leinster championship final a game to remember. Dublin were superb in the first half going into the break 1-6 to 0-4 to the good. Kilkenny had the better of the second half - three goals mid-way into the half turned the game in their favour. But the Dublin girls faught back magnificantly and were a mere goal behind when the final whistle sounded. They can be proud of their efforts today. Congratulations to Kilkenny on their sporting victory.
Well done to our Dublin under 14 girls who had a great season in the round robin championship. They are a wonderful group of girls who worked tirelessly to develop their skills and ability in a happy team atmosphere. Our thanks to the management of this team - Paul Beecher, Áine Fanning, Eimear Butler, Joan Twomey and Fiona Ní Shúilleabháin - for their tireless work and guidance in developing and encouraging these young players.
Our thanks to Naomh Peregrine for the use of their great facilities and for their excellent organisation on the day.
Gary Beagan reports
Everyone was looking forward with anticipation to this years U14 Camogie Leinster Final between Dublin and Kilkenny after these two teams served up a thriller in Thomastown 2 weeks ago with Kilkenny winning by 1 point. Naomh Pregrine was the venue this time and once again, the girls of both teams showed skill, grit and determination to serve up another thriller which went to the wire in front of a full stand of noisy supporters from both sides. Dublin started brightly with midfield pairing Doireann Mullaney and Leah Mullins gaining control early on, and scores from Aisling O Leary and Orla Beagan settled Dublin's nerves. As confidence grew, Dublin were hurling really well and got 2 further points from Orla Beagan and Anna Walsh, and then came the goal of the year from Aisish O Neill who volleyed a handpass from Laura Morrissey to the net after 15 minutes. Kilkenny struck back quickly however with 3 quick points before Ailish O Neill added another point from play. Dublin's half back line of Mary Cronin, Eilise O Grady and Sarah Nagle all hurled well throughout the half and kept their forwards quiet and anything that got pass them was tidied up by Niamh Byrne and Danielle Aylmer. Final score of the half came from Tess Coyne after receiving a nice return pass from Laura Mulvey to leave Dublin 5 points ahead at half time. Dublin 1-6 Kilikenny 0-4.
The second half started as the first finished, with 2 Dublin points from Anna Walsh and an Orla Beagan free to leave Dublin 7 points clear. 2 points from Kilkenny reduced the margin to 5 once again. The Dublin defence of Blaithin McQuillan, Chloe Rochford and Dublin’s player of the match Niamh Byrne were coming under constant pressure as Kilkenny started to press forward in waves but some relief was on hand as two brillant solo efforts from Anna Walsh resulted in 2 points to restore the gap to 7 points. Anne Marie Courtney battled well after being introduced in trying to stem these Kilkenny attacks. The game was decided in a 7 minute spell when Kilkenny scored 4 goals and a point, with Dublin's only reply coming from Doireann Mullaney in this period. The bond of this team was evident however, and despite this huge setback, they continued gallently and were rewarded with a penalty when Laura Morrissey was hauled to the ground when going through, Orla Beagan crashed the resultant penalty to the net leaving a goal between the sides. Eve Keogh and Aoife McKenna were introduced, however it was too late as the referee blew full time and Kilkenny were crowned Leinster Champions. The stormbirds should be very proud of themselves throughout this campaign and they did Dublin Camogie proud yesterday. They gave everything in this match, and that is all Paul, Aine and Eimear asked. Onwards and upwards to Clare blitz and then to Cork again, where no doubt we will meet Kilkenny again.
Photos: Seamus Massey
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