Congratulations to the Dublin U16 team and management on a magnificent win in the Leinster Final over Kilkenny on a scoreline of 3-9 to 2-11.
Dublin were deservedly 4 points ahead at the break. But Kilkenny wiped out this lead and then powered into a 2 point lead with minutes remaining. Things looked ominous for the Dublin girls. But they put in a magnificant finish. At the final whistle they were attacking the Kilkenny goals and were that one precious point ahead! What a brilliant fight back and what a deserved victory for this great group of players. Well done to the players, management and all involved with the under 16 Leinster champions 2010!
Photos from this exciting under 16 Leinster final - Seamus Massey
The following report compiled by Joe White and Martina McGilloway
Dublin 3-9 Kilkenny 2-11
The Dublin U16 camogie team scored a famous victory in the final of the Leinster U16 “A” Championship on Saturday when they upset the favourite’s Kilkenny to win the title for the first time in 13 years. Played in glorious sunshine on a perfect pitch in Thomastown, the girls showed great courage and heart and no little skill securing a one point win in a heart-stopping finish.
Following a disappointing exit from the All Ireland series earlier in the season to the same opposition, it is fair to say the team travelled more in hope than expectation but their hard work over the past 8 months finally paid off for a fully merited victory.
Dublin took the game to Kilkenny from the throw in, not allowing them time to settle on the ball and unlike the first game taking the scoring chances that came their way. Early scores from Ciara Berkley who was immense throughout , followed by goals from Megan O’Reilly and Louise Walshe put Dublin in the driving seat mid way through the first half. Kilkenny hit back with scores of their own to keep in touch but this was a determined Dublin team and they never allowed their opponents to get a grip on the game. Dublin kept the score board ticking over, Megan goaled again and Aisling Maher added a point to leave the half time score 3-3 to 1- 5 in favour of the visitors.
Every Dublin player was playing the game of the lives, in defence Kate Whyte was solid in goal, Elaine O’Leary, Roisin Collins and Siobhan Grimes were in superb form in the full back line while the half back line of Jade Wilson, Lizzy McSweeney and Eva Marie Elliott formed a solid platform on which the victory was fashioned. Midfielders Aoife Kelly and Ali Twomey dominated the midfield exchanges. Eleanor Buggy covered every blade of grass from centre forward and Kassie McEvoy was a constant threat to the Kilkenny defence.
The second half was a heart stopping affair as the play moved from end to end. Kilkenny started brightly, chipping away at the Dublin lead but most of their scores came from placed balls as they struggled to get within striking distance of the Dublin goal. Dublin introduced Claire Rigney and she brought fresh legs and energy to the proceedings. It was score for score until the home team hit a bit of a purple patch , adding a goal and 2 points in a five minute spell to go into a two point lead entering the final five minutes. Dublin were not to be denied and kept the pressure on looking for the vital scores. Ali Twomey flashed a first time shot past the post before Louise Walshe and fittingly the influential Berkley with two late points sealed a famous win with the final scores of the game. Nerves were now frayed as we awaited the final whistle. When it arrived, queue the celebrations down by the Nore. Scenes of joy as captain Aoife Kelly was presented with the Leinster trophy by Leinster chairperson, Kilkenny’s Catherine Neary.
Well done to the Dublin squad and thanks to their management team of Tom Humphries, Colm Berkeley and Martina McGilloway who put in a huge effort, with the majority of the girls being together as a development squad since 2007. Thanks to all the supporters who travelled down to support the team.
Scorers: Dublin: M O'Reilly 2-1, K Mc Evoy 1-0, C Berkeley 0-6 (0-f), A Maher, L Walshe 0-1 each
Kilkenny: L Fitzpatrick 1-2, A Byran 1-0,O Hanrick 0-4 (0-2f, 0-1'45),K Hamilton 0-3, C Holden, N Bambrick 0-1 each
Dublin: Kate Whyte, Elaine O’Leary, Roisin Collins, Siobhan Grimes, Jade Carey. Lizzy McSweeney, Eve Marie Elliot, Aoife Kelly, Ali Twomey, Ciara Berkely, Eleanor Buggy, Kassie McEvoy, Aisling Maher, Megan O’Reilly, Aihling Maher, Claire Rigney, Aihling Spillane, Jade Wilson, Grainne Smith, Deirdre Dillon, Niamh O’Meara, Oliva Rushe.