Kilkenny's U-16B camogie girls end season on high note after dramatic extra time win over Tipperary

Old rivals Kilkenny and Tipperary served up a cracking U-16B development shield camogie final last Sunday in the Ragg in a match that ebbed and flowed each way during normal time before Kilkenny managed to assume control in extra time and claim the spoils.

This brings an end to the U-16 intercounty season which has seen many girls perform well at this level and all contributed well in a hard fought season ending match played in sunny conditions.

Kilkenny had defeated Tipperary when these sides met a few weeks previously in Dunmore but an early Sarah Jayne Ormonde goal for Tipperary in the second minute suggested that they were determined to reverse the outcome this time. Kilkenny were playing against the swirling wind elements and settled quickly to the task with Lauren Skehan and Moya Egan very much to the fore in attack. Scores from Lauren (0-2) and Moya (0-4) all from play had the deficit down to 1-4 to 0-6 as the half time whistle approached but Tipperary struck for a second goal approaching the break from Leah Deleney to leave them 2-4 to 0-6 at the interval.
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The second half ebbed and flowed either way – Kilkenny were right back in the contest when Moya Egan goaled from close range in the 35th minute and further fine scores from play by Moya had the sides level at 2-6 to 1-9 by the 48th minute. Both sides were now competing frantically for every ball and when Tipp’s Leah Deleney netted in the 56th minute, they led by 3-7 to 1-10 and appeared set for victory. However, a fine finish to the net by substitute Kate Hayden in the 60th minute drew the sides level and led to extra time being needed. Kilkenny started extra time strongly and a fine Isabella Murphy goal added to two points from Lauren Skehan gave them a 3-12 to 3-9 lead at the extra time break. Any hopes of a Tipp fightback were largely ended when Niamh Moore applied a smart finish to the net at the start of the second extra time period and they hung on afterwards to claim a deserved win.

Scorers: Kilkenny: Moya Egan 1-9, Lauren Skehan 0-4, Isabella Murphy 1-1,Kate Hayden, Niamh Moore 1-0 each.

Kilkenny: Molly Phelan, Ballyhale Shamrocks, Amber Hogan, O’Loughlins Gaels, ⁠Eva Roche, John Lockes, Hillary Muldowney, Rower Inistioge, Faye Sutton, Mooncoin, Julia Adamczyk, O’Loughlins Gaels, ⁠Caragh Brennan, Clara⁠, ⁠Ruby Doyle, St Martins, Ailbhe Ní Casaide, Danesfort, Lauren Skehan, Bennettsbridge, Saoirse Walsh, Ballyhale Shamrocks,, Moya Egan, Windgap, ⁠ Cora Doherty, St Annes, Laoise Kehoe, Rower Inistioge, ⁠Niamh Moore, James Stephens, ⁠ Ava Darcy, Ballyhale Shamrocks. Subs: ⁠ Aisling Power, Tullogher Rosbercon (Joint Capt), Isabelle Murphy, Tullogher Rosbercon (Joint Capt), Alice Quinn, James Stephens, ⁠Mia Phelan, St Lachtains, Millie Ireland Wall, Danesfort, Stephanie Phelan, Mooncoin, Ruby Farrell, Blacks & Whites, Beibhinn Shefflin, Ballyhale Shamrocks, Ellen Hanafin, Danesfort, Kate Hayden, Blacks & Whites, Ella Talbot, Glenmore, ⁠Emma Daly, St Martins, Ellen Hanafin, Ella Talbot, Ruby Doyle, St Martin's.

Kilkenny Management: Brigid Begley, Adrian O’Keeffe, Philly O’Hara, Murt Medler, Jennie O’Brien, Canice Brennan, Kieran Brennan, Sharon O’Hara.

Tipperary: Rachel Kelly, Erin O’Gorman, Aine Cahalan, Niamh Bourke, Ally Mulvihill, Emear Conroy, Naoise Treacy, Sarah Jayne Ormonde, Sinead O’Dwyer, Lea Beleney, Lily O’Donoghue, Maresse Bourke Darcy, Sophie Lonergan, Anna Butler, Grace Burke. Subs: Eleanor Boland, Saoirse Butler, Saoirse Ryan, Aimee Johnson, Hanah Hoan, Lily Morris, Orlaith O’Grady, Rachel Hanlon, Mackenzie Simmons Loughnane.
Tipperary Management: Cathal Bourke, Ken McKeogh, Avril Kinnerk, Tricia O’Dwyer, Mark Holden.
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