Month: September 2021

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.

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).

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

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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

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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SHORTLY AFTER LEADING Cork to a fourth All-Ireland senior camogie title in five years, manager Paudie Murray arrived into his post-game briefing with the press sporting a fresh cut above his right eye. 

“I ran into a camera at the final whistle,” he explained.

Source: Tommy Dickson/INPHO

Source: Tommy Dickson/INPHO

During the on-field celebrations, he was stitched up by a member of the Cork medical team but the graze did little to dampen Murray’s delight. He presided over two All-Ireland successes on the one day – leading the Cork intermediates and seniors to glory.

“To retain a title is important,” he said of the senior success. “It takes a good team to win back-to-back All-Irelands. That was our goal all year and we knew it was going to take a great effort.

“I’m delighted for the intermediates. There’s five or six there have put in six or seven years and lost two All-Irelands so they showed great resolve to come back this year.

“We had a job to persuade a few of them and there’s a few good young hurlers coming there and hopefully they’ll come through in a couple of year’s time.”

At the beginning of the year, Murray decided this would be his final season in charge. He took over in 2012 and only once in his reign have they failed to make the final. 

The Cork boss plans to take some time out before deciding on his plans for 2019.

“I’d kind of made up my own mind earlier this year that this was it,” he said.

“I’m seven years there now, four or five dealing with two teams so it isn’t easy as I have a job as well so it’s very difficult. Camogie’s gone much similar to hurling and football now, the level of hours that go into it is frightening at this stage.

“You’re just flat out. Niall Collins spends 14 hours breaking a game down – that’ll tell you the time that’s going into it.

Source: Bryan Keane/INPHO

“I’ll sit back and chill out for a few weeks and make up my own mind. I’ll certainly be involved in a team next year. I am ambitious so I’d like to do something else you know.”

He urged the Cork players to drive on and deliver a third title in succession next season, even if he is not in the hot seat.

“From the players’ point of view, every player wants to be considered a great player and to do that you need three-in-a-row.

“A lot will depend on Aoife (Murray, his goalkeeper and sister), Gemma (O’Connor) and Orla Cotter, whether they stay around. It’s something that hasn’ been done by this team.

“If those three players want to be considered among the greats of the game that’s important for them (the win the three-in-a-row). 

“I came into the camogie not to continue it the way it was; I came in to train the games like the hurlers and the footballers in our county and we pride ourselves on that. We want to be the best prepared team and that’s the way things are going at the moment and Kilkenny would be the same way.

“Girls are fitter, they’re stronger, their skill levels are better, they’re being prepared better from a mental and a tactical point of view.”

Source: Bryan Keane/INPHO

Murray took umbrage with the notion that Cork played defensively. Kilkenny dropped a forward back as a sweeper which left both sides with a spare defender.

 “We’ve always gone to play open hurling. If you look at our scores this year, we’ve put up big scores. It’s not our problem if somebody goes with a sweeper against us. I read reports that we use a sweeper and it sickens me – we have never used a sweeper.

“We have never gone to play a sweeper – our centre-back doesn’t move out of the position. I can’t deal with the opposition and what they do.

“If you look at it, they had five on one side of the field and seven on the other, which can’t be done.”

Kilkenny and Cork have struck up a fierce rivalry over the last few years and have met in each of the three deciders, and in four of the last five.

“Kilkenny and ourselves have advanced the game dramatically over the last four or five years. I think both counties should be congratulated for that.”

There have been several notable moments along the way, including the infamous pre-game handshake incident of 2016. Then there was the perceived lack of respect Cork showed to Kilkenny when they warmed down during the presentation of the league trophy to the Cats in 2017.

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

Kilkenny outperformed their rivals last September but Cork hit two late, late scores to deny the Cats two-in-a-row celebrations. In the league final meeting between the sides back in April, Kilkenny stormed 0-11 to 0-1 in front but ended up winning by a single point after Cork missed a late penalty.

Murray felt that Cork’s response that day was a big moment in their season, despite the defeat.

“We did speak about it to be honest. Not taking from Kilkenny’s victory we were just back from Fuengirola (in Spain on a team holiday) the week before and let’s just say they weren’t doing warm weather training.

“So we weren’t as good as we should have been and showed a lot of character in the second-half. We did something similar a few years ago, nine points against Kilkenny in a semi-final and won by nine so I think that gave us a lot of strength today. The key for us was not to crack and the evidence is there.”

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IT WAS A busy weekend in the Cork senior football championship as the competition advanced to the last eight.

Carbery Rangers’ John Hayes

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In a repeat of the 2014 and 2016 finals, Carbery Rangers enjoyed an impressive a 0-15 to 1-8 win over fellow heavyweights Ballincollig to seal their place in the quarter-finals.

They’ll be joined in the last eight by reigning champions Nemo Rangers, who had a comfortable 4-16 to 0-13 win over O’Donovan Rossa with Conor O’Donovan, Luke Connolly, Paul Kerrigan and Mark Cronin their goalscorers.

14-man Clonakilty advanced with a 1-11 to 0-7 victory against Bishopstown, while Douglas defeated Carrigaline by 2-7 to 0-8. Valley Rovers beat Clyda Rovers by 1-16 to 0-8, St Finbarr’s powered past Mallow on a scoreline of 3-11 to 1-11 and Duhallow were 1-12 to 0-8 winners over St Nick’s.

The meeting of Castlehaven and Cork IT heads to a replay after an entertaining 0-21 apiece draw. 

Cork senior football championship quarter-finals

1. St Finbarr’s v Douglas 
2. Carbery Rangers v Clonakilty 
3. Duhallow v Valley Rovers
4. Nemo Rangers v Castlehaven/CIT

There was one game on the hurling front. The full line-up for the quarter-finals is now known after Blackrock’s 0-22 to 1-14 victory over Ballymartle in the final round 3 tie yesterday.

Blackrock, who lost last year’s final, will face St Finbarr’s in a city derby on Saturday. 

Cork senior hurling championship quarter-finals

1. Imokilly v Newcestown
2. Sarsfields v UCC
3. Blackrock v St Finbarr’s
4. Newtownshandrum v Midleton

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TRAILING BY NINE points after 50 minutes, Kerins O’Rahilly’s launched a stunning comeback to defeat reigning champions Dr Crokes by 3-18 to 2-17 in the Kerry SFC.

Former Kerry All-Ireland winner and Sydney Swans player Tommy Walsh grabbed two goals and Karl Mullins netted their third goal in stoppage-time to seal a four-point win.

The win sends Kerins O’Rahilly’s into the quarter-finals while Dr Crokes must now overcome An Gaeltacht in the round 3 to make the last eight. 

Elsewhere in round 2A, James O’Donoghue posted 1-6 as Killarney Legion saw off Mid Kerry by 2-13 to 2-9. David Clifford scored 2-2 in East Kerry’s 6-15 to 2-10 hammering  of Dingle, while Kieran Donaghy was among the goals in Austin Stacks’ 4-7 to 1-15 win over 2017 finalists South Kerry. 

In round 2B, which featured the eight losers from round 1, St Kieran’s defeated Feale Rangers by 1-14 to 1-13 and Rathmore enjoyed a 0-17 to 0-15 win over Kenmare Shamrocks. Kenmare District were on the receiving end of a 2-18 to 0-5 loss to An Ghaeltacht and St. Brendan’s defeated Shannon Rangers by 6-11 to 0-16.

Kerry senior football championship round 3

1. South Kerry v Rathmore
2. Mid Kerry v St. Brendan’s
3. Dr. Crokes v An Ghaeltacht
4. Dingle v St. Kieran’s

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Kerry senior football championship quarter-finals

1. Killarney Legion v round 3 winners 
2. Kerins O’Rahilly’s v round 3 winners 
3. Austin Stacks v round 3 winners 
4. East Kerry v round 3 winners 

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BACK-TO-BACK All-Ireland camogie champions Cork dominated The Sunday Game’s Team of the Year following their triumph over Kilkenny yesterday.

Cork defeated Kilkenny by a single point to retain the O’Duffy Cup in Croke Park and their hero Orla Cotter was rewarded with a wing-forward slot on the team. 

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Pundits Ann Marie Hayes, Liam Sheedy, Mags D’Arcy and Ursula Jacob selected seven players from Cork in total, five from beaten finalists Kilkenny and one each from Galway, Tipperary and Waterford. 

The Sunday Game 2018 Camogie Team of the Year

1. Aoife Murray (Cork)

2. Pamela Mackey (Cork)
3. Sarah Dervan (Galway)
4. Grace Walsh (Kilkenny)

5. Gemma O’Connor (Cork) 
6. Anne Dalton (Kilkenny)
7. Chloe Sigerson (Cork)

8. Meighan Farrell (Kilkenny)
9. Niamh Rockett (Waterford)

10. Orla Cotter (Cork)
11. Orla Cronin (Cork)
12. Denise Gaule (Kilkenny)

13. Katrina Mackey (Cork)
14. Cáit Devane (Tipperary)
15. Katie Power (Kilkenny)

Do you agree with the team? Let us know in the comments section below.

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CORK’S ALL-IRELAND final hero Orla Cotter admitted after the game she didn’t know exactly why referee Eamon Cassidy awarded her a free in the dying minutes of yesterday’s encounter – not that it mattered to her.  

“Nah, I didn’t mind, I’ll take it,” she said.

Source: Tommy Dickson/INPHO

“Some fella told me it was a controversial free, I didn’t mind. I’d take it either way – we could probably have claimed a few more controversial frees during the day.

“Look, we’ll take it. It went over the bar. I missed an easier one earlier.”

The Kilkenny sideline were furious with Cassidy’s decision to blow for a foul on Cotter, who found herself surrounded by Kilkenny defenders.

As she mentioned, Cotter sent a placed ball from closer to goal wide just 10 minutes earlier, but held her nerve when it really mattered. She duly stepped up and sent over the game-winning free to seal her seventh senior All-Ireland title.

Not a bad haul for the St Catherine’s forward, who is likely to collect her sixth All-Star this winter.

“I knew there was only a minute or so left. But I was just praying it went over, and it did. Myself and Chloe (Sigerson) but plenty of time in before training most days, practising our frees, and she hit some lovely ones today as well. It’s fantastic.

“For me it was every player, really. Aoife Murray saved a goal just a couple of minutes beforehand, someone else got a hook or a block in. It was a team performance, and we’ve been working on that with management.

“It’s the ‘we’ before the ‘me’, and we’ve been working on that even last year – it doesn’t matter who scores, who saves, we all defend and attack together.

“That’s what stood to us towards the end. It’s heartbreaking for Kilkenny, two years in a row, and you have to acknowledge that as well. They’re a fantastic team and it could have gone any way towards the end.”

Source: Tommy Dickson/INPHO

Kilkenny rallied midway through the second-half with three unanswered scores to move 0-12 to 0-11 ahead. Staring defeat in the face, it was time for Cork’s cool heads to prevail. 

“There’s nothing left in the tank and you’re trying to stay as composed as you can,” explained Gemma O’Connor.

“It paid off for us today. There’s no room out there for hotheads – sometimes I get a bit hotheaded but we’ve learned down through the years.”

The centre-back had the letters ‘CA’ written on her hand – possibly a personal reminder to use ‘Controlled Aggression’ on the field. Whatever it was, O’Connor drove Cork on from centre-back and they outscored Kilkenny by 0-3 to 0-1 in the closing stages to take the O’Duffy Cup.

“We’ve worked on this the last few years, to keep composed, to keep going, that at the right time the right player will step up. And for us today it was Orla, who scored a great point.

Source: Bryan Keane/INPHO

“I don’t know why we do it to ourselves, a point in it. At half-time the message was to keep our composure. Beforehand you’re trying to get yourself riled up, to get into the right frame of mind, the fighting attitude – then at half-time it’s all about ‘this is where we are now and we need to be composed’. It’s no time to lose your head.

“We knew it’d be a tight game from start to finish. The championship has been quite open but we knew the final would be so defensive, we don’t give each other an inch.

“I don’t know what way it is to look at, sometimes you’d wish the play would open up a small bit, but you just want to win at all costs, that’s the bottom line.

“It’s about smart people making smart decisions. This game is all about decision making. You asked why it’s so tight between Cork and Kilkenny – I think it’s because we’re so similar, the teams are physical, skilful, the panels show extreme skill, talent and workrate. That’s why there’s so little between us.”

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