Kiladangan trump Mullinahone to Minor 'C' Camogie glory

CAMOGIE: FBD Insurance Tipperary Minor 'C' 13s Championship Final

Kiladangan 2-9

CJ Kickhams Mullinahone 0-7

Kiladangan were crowned County Minor ‘C’ 13-aside champions following a well-contested final against a very young and determined CJ Kickhams Mullinahone side at the County Camogie Grounds on Monday evening.

The North side made the brighter start with Tara Hanrahan opening the scoring with an early point. Mullinahone responded with an excellent score from Grace White to level.

County minor Isabelle Kingston then put Kiladangan back in front with a free before finishing a well-worked move to the back of the net to give her side an early advantage.

Mullinahone responded well with Siún McNamara showing excellent composure from placed balls, scoring two frees to keep her side in touch. However, Kiladangan began to build momentum with Kingston converting three frees in succession to extend their lead.

Niamh Kelly, who worked tirelessly for Kiladangan throughout, struck her sides second goal to give them further breathing room.

Siún McNamara added another free for Mullinahone, but Kiladangan went into the interval holding a 2-5 to 0-4 lead.

Kiladangan opened the second half with a point from Ellen Meaney before Siún McNamara responded with another free. Isabelle Kingston then added another point for Kiladangan.

However, Mullinahone produced an excellent spell as the second half progressed. They enjoyed plenty of possession with Isla Comerford and Siun McNamara pushing forward with real purpose, searching for the goal that could have transformed the contest.

However, Kiladangan's defence, though, remained resolute with Ava Gaynor and Hannah Delaney particularly impressive. Time and again, Mullinahone threatened to break through, but Kiladangan’s defensive effort held firm.

Behind them, goalkeeper Hannah Quirke produced a superb second half display. Her excellent saves at crucial moments ensured that Mullinahone could not find the goal they needed, and her performance earned her a deserved player of the match award.

The South girls continued to battle right to the final whistle, but Kiladangan finished strong with another Isabelle Kingston score to secure a deserved eight point victory.

Player of the Match: Hannah Quirke (Kiladangan)

Kiladangan: Hannah Quirke; Caoimhe Hayes, Ailbhe Gaynor, Hannah Delaney; Eire Ryan, Saoirse Maher, Abi O’Brien; Tara Hanrahan (0-1), Ellen Meaney (0-1), Lily Brennan, Muireann Sheehan, Niamh Kelly (1-0), Isabelle Kingston (1-7, 0-4f).

Subs used: Freya Collins, Daisy Ryan, Hannah Girard, Yvondre Kruger.

CJ Kickhams Mullinahone: Kate Dunne, Laurie Mae Brett, Kitty O'Meara, Lily O'Shea, Sophie McGowan, Grace White (0-1), Sally Power, Evie Aherne, Nikita O'Rourke, Grace Dunne, Isla Comeford, Siún McNamara (0-6, 5f), Lexi Delaney-Scott.

Subs used: Jasmine Pearse, Ashley Freeman.

Referee: TP O’Sullivan (Lorrha).