Kilkenny seconds see off Portrane to win league and shield double

Kilkenny Ladies 2s done the double for the second year in a row this season, winning both the Division 7 League and the Leinster Shield.

The Cats dominated the majority of the first quarter, with central midfielder Laura Hennessy leading the Kilkenny attack.

Fantastic distribution by Hennessy saw Kilkenny awarded a short corner in the opening minutes of the game.

Despite the best efforts of Millie Gilsenan and Andrea Parr, the Portrane defence kept the Kilkenny efforts at bay.

Having settled into the game, Kilkenny continued their attack throughout the second quarter.

Portrane found it extremely difficult to penetrate the rock solid Kilkenny defence of Jill O’Keefe, Hannah Bailey, Rachel Crotty and Maggie Byrne.

Kilkenny enjoyed the lion’s share of possession through midfielders Emma Shepard, Laura Hennessy and Millie Gilsenan, however the Cats found it difficult to convert any clear cut opportunities.

Kilkenny began to push on after the half time break and were awarded another short corner.

Quick distribution from Maria Connolly out to Louise Kenny saw her blast the ball into the back of the Portrane net to give the Cats a slender lead.

The ever-dogged Laura O’Neill mounted the pressure on the Portrane defence. resulting in another corner for the Kilkenny side.

Neat midfield play by Nessa Farrell, Orla Shields and Roisin Burns saw Kilkenny awarded a brace of short corners.

Despite the best efforts of the Kilkenny attack, they were unlucky not to convert their chances in front of goal.

The fourth quarter saw Portrane grow in confidence as they mounted on the pressure.

The ever-dependable Hazel Cleere was rock solid between the posts and was not to be beaten.

A stand out performance by woman of the match Rachel Crotty kept the defence calm, despite countless attacks by Portrane.

A massive team effort by the Kilkenny squad saw them crowned Leinster Div 7/8 Shield Champions for 2024.

Kilkenny 2s: Hazel Cleere, Jill O’Keefe, Rachel Crotty, Andrea Parr, Hannah Bailey, Millie Gilsenan, Maggie Byrne, Nessa Farrell (C), Laura Hennessy, Emma Shepard, Roisin Burns, Catriona Twomey (C), Orla Shields, Louise Kenny, Laura O’Neill, Maria Connolly, Caoimhe O’Connor.

Coach: Paul O’Donnell.