Munster U16 A Championship Final – After Extra Time
Kerry 2-14 (20)
Cork 2-13 (19)
Venue: Mallow GAA Complex, Referee: Billy Cummins
Kerry are Munster U16 A Champions for the second year in a row following a game that went all the way against neighbours Cork. It took extra time to decide this titanic battle. Cork won the battle in the first half dominating the scoreboard and making better use of possession. Kerry struggled to get to grips with the first half and were guilty of some poor misses and wasteful distribution. Cork got up and running with a pointed free in the first minute from Carla O’Regan. Luck was on Cork’s side shorty after when Róisín Ní Liatháin free dropped short unexpectedly with Kerry keeper Caoimhe O’Mahony unable to prevent it from going under the bar. Norma Murphy opened Kerry’s account in the fifth minute. Róisín Ní Liatháin and Carla O’Regan with a brace saw the rebels open up a seven-point lead with five minutes of normal time remaining. Kerry had chances during this but were guilty of some poor decision making and execution. Cork’s confidence was up and a goal from Róisín Ní Liatháin and a Caoimhe Foley point saw the rebels open up a commanding eleven-point lead. Iona Wynton free in first half injury time saw the deficit reduced to ten in what was going to be a very big task for the Kerry players and management to mount a comeback in the second half. With the players and management regrouped and focused for the second half Kerry got off to the right start with a free from Iona Wynton. Cork added a free from Carla O’Regan but Kerry appeared to be more settled and getting to grips with the game. The Kingdom added a brace of points from Lily Riordan and Norma Murphy. Despite Caoimhe Foley pointing for Cork, Kerry grew in confidence and belief. A Jessie Lynch converterd free was swiftly followed by a goal from substitute Louise Ní Chiobháin who had just entered the game. Urged on by the support in the stand and the sideline Kerry were now the team in control despite still being five points behind with twelve minutes gone in the second half. What Kerry struggled with in the first half was now their strength and it was reflected on the scoreboard. Jessie Lynch free was soon followed by a converted penalty from Norma Murphy. Jessie Lynch had the sides level before captain Leah Griffin pointed the Kingdom in front for the first time in the game with a fine score. Jessie Lynch converted another free to push the Kingdom two in front. But credit to Cork they threw everything at Kerry. Two converted frees from Róisín Ní Liatháin would ensure this game went to extra time just like the 2024 decider did. Kerry started the first period of extra time full of confidence, determination and dominance. Three converted free’s from Jessie Lynch saw Kerry open up a three-point lead midway through the first period. Like all Cork teams do they fought throughout this period. Free’s from Carla O’Regan and Sorcha O’Rourke reduced the deficit to the bare minimum ensuring the final period would be all to play for. A Jessie Lynch free saw Kerry go back into a two-point lead upon the start of the second period. Kerry had chances to further extend the lead but were guilty of some poor misses. No doubt tiredness was a factor at this stage but this was elevated by the heart and determination shown by everyone at this critical stage of the game despite Cork throwing everything at the Kindgom. A free late on from Róisín Ní Liatháin set up a nail-biting finish and despite late drama in front of the Kerry goal, the Kingdom held out for a deserving win. Kerry now go forward to the All Ireland Semi Final on Thursday 26th June. Details tbc.
Kerry Scorers: J Lynch (0-08 7f), N Murphy (1p – 02), L Ní Chiobháin (1-0), I Wynton (0-02f), L Riordan (0-01), L Griffin (0-01)
Cork Scorers: R Ní Liatháin (2-05 5f), C O’Regan (0-05 4f), C Foley (0-02), S O’Rourke (0-01)
Kerry C O’Mahony, N O’Connor, A Brosnan, S Lyons, S Chute, E Dillane, S Flynn, L Griffin (C), E O’Sullivan, L Riordan, I Wynton, J Lynch, N Murphy, J O’Connor, K Cummins
Subs: T O’Sullivan for S Chute, L Ní Chiobháin for J O’Connor, D O’Neill for L Riordan, A Doyle for I Wynton, L Riordan for D O’Neill, J O’Connor for J Lynch
Cork: O McGrath, H Sweeney, A Kelleher, D O’Flaherty, A Kearney, H Deasy, C O’Regan, A Coughlan (C), C Ní Mhocháin, R Ní Liatháin, L O’Connor, C O’Regan, N O’Connor, K Crowley, C Foley
Subs: E Motherway for D O’Flaherty, S Keane for K Crowley, S O’Rourke for C Foley, O O’Brien for N O’Connor, A O’Reilly for H Sweeney
