Result mattered little as Kilkenny took first steps back into championship

The scoreline may not read well, but this year is not about the end result for the Kilkenny Ladies Gaelic adult team as they rebuild after years of absence.

The big win for Kilkenny is the fact the county fielded a team in the national championship when they took on Limerick in John Locke Park in Callan on Sunday - that is an achievement in itself for the sport in the county.

This team is at the very start of a rebirth and is building and learning with each training and match played. There is positive support for this team going forward from the clubs in the county and Tirlán have just come on board, backing the squad. Their contribution is crucial to ensuring the team continues on their path.

Limerick were tough first opponents for the Cats and showed that an All-Ireland title is top of their agenda. The Munster side were ruthless in attack and dominated the game as they played some excellent football, converting scores with impressive precision.

Within seconds of the first whistle Iris Kennelly had Limerick up and running, adding another score minutes later. By half-time the visitors were 5-9 to 0-3 up and were dominating the game.

The second half continued with Limerick taking their scores well while, for Kilkenny, it was damage limitation. Kilkenny’s effort and attitude was a credit to the side, who refused to let their heads drop. The home side’s only goal came in the second half from the boot of Muckalee’s Éadaoin Cody. The Cats also finished the game on a positive note, grabbing the last score of the match.

Kilkenny will play Down on July 2 and Sligo on July 9 in rounds two and three of the junior championship.

Teams and scorers

Limerick - Iris Kenneally (3-5); Cathy Mee (2-2); Karen O’Leary (1-2); Amy Ryan (1-1); Roisin Ambrose (0-4); Caoimhe McGrath (0-3, 0-1 free); Deborah Murphy (0-2); Katie Heelan, Laoise Browne (0-1 each).

Kilkenny - Éadoin Cody (1-0), Kym Ryan (0-3), Kate Purcell (0-2, 0-1 free).

Kilkenny - Niamh Sheehy (Thomastown); Eva Collins (Kilkenny City), Abigael Egan (Kilkenny City), Laura Phelan (John Lockes); Anna Doheny (Kilkenny City), Emily McCarthy (Kilkenny City), Ellen Lawlor (Muckalee, capt); Éadaoin Cody (Muckalee), Hazel Moore (Muckalee); Kate Purcell (Muckalee), Kym Ryan (John Lockes), Jennifer O’Keeffe (Kilkenny City); Tara McGrath (Kilkenny City), Niamh Gillen (Kilkenny City), Caitlinn Moore (John Lockes). Sub: Sofia Kerr (Railyard).

Limerick - Carol Bateman; Fiona Bradshaw, Yvonne Lee, Meadhbh MacNamara; Grace Lee, Laura Walshe, Lauren Ryan; Roisin Ambrose, Clare O’Meara; Deborah Murphy, Cathy Mee, Caoimhe McGrath; Iris Kenneally, Laoise Browne, Karen O’Leary.

Subs: Katie Heelan, Amy Ryan.

Referee - Maggie Farrelly (Cavan)