Report

Dublin v Kilkenny

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Kilkenny 2 - 12  Dublin 2 - 6

It's hard to believe but for 53 minutes of this game, Dublin led the All-Ireland runners up.  But a strong closing finish by Kilkenny saw them edge across the line against a gritty Dublin side.

The Cats were pushed to the limit to claim the title against a Dubs team that gave an outstanding display.  Dublin needed a break or two to their way against a side that was powered by senior players Grace Walsh at centre back (sister of Tommy) and Claire Phelan.  But despite the quality of the opposition, Dublin rose to the challenge once Ciara Berkeley pointed their opening score from a 45 in the 7th minute.

A further point from a Ciara Berkeley free cut the gap to just one point 0-3 to 0-2 by the 10th minute.  Aided by the breeze Dublin enjoyed the better part of the opening exchanges with Lizzie McDonnell outstanding at centre back and midfielders Aisling Carolan and Aoife Kelly working very hard.

The reward came in the 11th minute when a long delivery by Ciara Berkeley caused all sorts of problems for the Kilkenny full-back line and Aoife Bugler was on hand to bundle the ball over the line.  An excellent point from play by Ciara Berkeley pushed Dublin a goal clear by the 13th minute.

However a defensive lapse allowed Kilkenny in for a goal that undid some of the good play.  But Dublin put that set-back behind them to finish the half strongly with 1-2 to no reply.  The goal was supplied by Grainne Smyth with Ciara Berkeley adding two points.  Another Berkeley effort from a long range free just bounced outside the posts second from the half-time whistle.

One of the highlights of the first half was an outstanding save by Aisling Spillane in the Dublin goals.

As luck would have it, the breeze stiffened for the second half but Dublin were first to score.  A brilliant move involving Cassie McEvoy and Ciara Berkeley led to Ali Twomey firing over a great point.

However Kilkenny upped their game and with the breeze proving an obstacle Dublin spent much of the defending resolutely.  The full-back line of Roisin Collins, Deirdre Johnstone and Sarah Flynn were outstanding and gave great cover to Aisling Spillane.  Captain Ellen Keatley and Lucy Collins made many telling interventions and at midfield Aoife Kelly was a driving force.

Midway through the half Dublin created a great goal chance but the final pass went astray - a goal at that stage would have been a huge lift and maybe the platform for victory.  But as it was Kilkenny chipped away at the lead and eventually went in front 6 minutes from time.  A fortuitous goal put an  unfair gloss on their victory but Dublin emerged with an awful lot of credit from the performance.

Aisling Spillane, Roisin Collins, Deirdre Johnstone, Sarah Flynn, Ellen Keatley, Lizzie McDonnell, Lucy Collins, Aoife Kelly, Aisling Carolan, Ali Twomey (0-1), Ciara Berkeley (0-5), Kate McCarry, Mikaela Dunne, Aoife Bugler (1-0), Grainne Smyth (1-0)

Subs:  Cassie McEvoy; Susan Clinton, Jade Carey, Clodagh McGough, Megan O'Reilly, Katie King, Eleanor Buggy, Niamh Berry, Dianiamh Greene, Michelle O'Hurley, Clare McDonald, Khloe Dillon Coote

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