Cork get the better of Kilkenny in All-Ireland Under-23 camogie opener

A strong first half and wind-assisted second saw Cork get one over old rivals Kilkenny in the opening round of the under-23 All-Ireland championship in Pairc Ui Rinn on Saturday.

Kilkenny had the aid of the wind on a greasy surface, but the hosts hit the front early with an Amy Sheppard goal inside the opening minute, while Sinead Farrell was forced into two more saves in the opening exchanges.

Sheppard and Isobel Sheehan had Cork five points clear inside five minutes before Ellen Gunner replied with what was to be Kilkenny’s only score from play in the opening half.

Up front, Cork’s pace troubled Kilkenny with Sheppard, Orlaith Mullins and Niamh McNabola to the fore while the midfield pairing of Millie Condon and Ava Fitzgerald cleaned up possession. 

Sheppard, who would end the day with a haul of 2-6, slotted over two frees with Rachel Dowling doing the same at the other end but the Cork defence efficiently dealt with anything Kilkenny threw at them. Mullins and McNabola stretched the Cork lead, though Downing kept the scoreboard ticking from placed balls for the Cats. The Rebels led 1-7 to 0-5 at the break with the wind to come.

Cork continued to hold the upper hand through the second half, confining Kilkenny to one point from play. Sheppard clipped over an early free and though Amy Brennan responded, Condon, Eimear Duignan and Rose Murphy were all on target for the home side.

Farrell denied Isobel Sheehan with a superb save at the three-quarter stage but Cork were in complete control.  They fired over points from all angles before a great goal from Sheppard finished the game off.

Teams and scorers

Cork - Amy Sheppard (2-6, 0-5 frees); Niamh McNabola (0-2); Isobel Sheehan, Millie Condon, Orlaith Mullins, Eimear Duignan, Rose Murphy, Erinn Curtin, Ava Fitzgerald, Nicole Olden (0-1 each).

Kilkenny - Rachel Dowling (0-6, frees); Ellen Gunner, Amy Brennan 0-1 each.

Cork - C Buckley, A Cashman, C Kingston, L Dunlea, E Duignan, D O’Brien, M Ring, M Condon, A Fitzgerald, I Sheehan, O Mullins, N McNabola, A Sheppard, C Keane, R Murphy. Subs: S Hurley for M Ring, E Curtin for C Keane, T McCarthy for A Cashman, E O’Donoghue for N McNabola, A McCarthy for E Duignan (blood sub), N Olden for I Sheehan.

Kilkenny - S Farrell, H Larkin, L Nolan, S Kerr, T McGrath, K Brennan, A Browne, K Ryan, L Phelan, E Mulhall, R Dowling, E Gunner, L Ronan, A Cody, A Brennan. Subs: R Kelly for K Brennan, M Gannon for E Mulhall.

Referee - Patrick Murphy (Carlow)