​Scoring burst propels Tullaroan to deserved Minor A Camogie Title

Tullaroan claimed the Minor A championship title after a deserved eight point victory over Dicksboro in a match played in difficult conditions in Castlecomer on a Saturday afternoon.

This was a hard fought match between two very committed sides with a high skill and fitness level shown by both sides over the hour – and an unanswered scoring burst of 3-4 without reply between the 20th and 40th minute of this match ultimately proved to be difference for Tullaroan to claim the title.

This victory completes a league and championship double for Tullaroan in 2026 and with the same group of girls having won U16 league and championship honours in 2024, they certainly have proven to be the dominant side at this level for many years and the teamwork shown throughout the hour across all areas of the pitch suggests a strong pipeline of talent progressing to their senior team going forward to future years.

For Dicksboro, they competed well for long periods of this contest but the scoring burst in the middle of this match ultimately proved their undoing on a day where it was challenging for all to play camogie.

The timing of this Minor final was later than originally scheduled by Kilkenny camogie board due to a replayed quarter-final match and unfortunately this led to the match being played on an unpleasant Saturday afternoon after incessant morning rain which continued for long periods of the match.

Despite the elements, the pitch in Canon Kearns Park was in good condition and both sides settled well into the match for the opening twenty minutes which were very evenly contested.

Tullaroan started fast with a goal inside two minutes from Juliette Mulligan and two smart points in the following five minutes from Lily Sweeney and Ava Dillon opened up a five point lead for them.

However, Dicksboro soon settled to the task and after Sophie Roberts opened their account with a point in the 10th minute, they were further boosted by a goal from a long delivery by Megan Trait in the 12th minute. Both sides traded scores in the next eight minutes after which Tullaroan led by 1-4 to 1-3 and a really tight contest appeared to be in store.

Tullaroan however then upped the ante and after a fine point from play from Eleanor Doheny, they struck for two crucial goals in the minutes before half time from Ella Walton and Ruth Walsh which gave them a 3-6 to 1-3 lead at the break.

Conditions had deteriorated as the second half started but Tullaroan continued as they left off with a strong run from Katie Dunphy leading to her adding a fourth goal for them inside the opening minute of this half. Further points from an Ella Walton free stretched the lead and they seemed set for a comfortable win when they led by 4-7 to 1-3 at the 40th minute.

Dicksboro to their credit refused to throw in the towel and after a goal from a goalmouth scramble in the 43rd minute, they were further boosted by a smart finish to the net by Sophie Roberts in the 50th minute and a comeback seemed briefly to be on the cards as the deficit was down to six points.

Tullaroan however were not to be denied and the slick teamwork and passing style that has been their hallmark all season were again in evidence in the closing minutes – and a fine ground strike to the net by Juliette Mulligan in the 58th minute put the seal on a fine win.

Tullaroan had star performers all over the field particularly Laura Millea at full back, Sinead Cash and Tara McGree in the half backline, the Doheny twins at midfield while in attack, Ella Walton, Lily Sweeney, Katie Dunphy and Juliette Mulligan all played prominent roles.

For Dicksboro, it wasn’t to be on the day but they battled gamely all throughout the hour particularly Eva Tynan, Ali Greany, Sophie Roberts, Emma Hogan, Jenna and Megan Trait.

Tullaroan: Rachel Walsh, Anne Delaney, Laura Millea, Katie Hennessy, Alanna Russell, Sinead Cash, Tara McGree, Shannon Doheny, Eleanor Doheny, Lily Sweeney, Ella Walton, Ava Dillon, Juliette Mulligan, Katie Dunphy, Ruth Walsh.

Subs: Eve O’Sullivan, Aine Walsh, Emma Bibby.

Dicksboro: Kate Meighan, Lily Ryan Murray, Eva Tynan, Anna Keogh, Nessa Teehan, Ai Greany, Lily Maher, Emily Chambers, Amy Walsh, Jenna Trait, Sophie Roberts, Megan Trait, Emma Hogan, Sophie O’Riordan, Laura Treacy.

Subs: Rosie Walker, Orlaith Knox, Jill Dempsey, Lily Everard, Maebh Savage, Anna Brennan, Jane Everard, Jill Dalton, Doireann Knox, Lilly Brennan, Emma Walsh, Alison Walsh, Orlaith O’Connor, Eva Dawson.

Referee: Peter Burke