Kilkenny’s brilliant U16 camogie Cats went within a whisker of snatching the All-Ireland from the mighty Rebels of Cork in a pulsating weekend final in Birr.
But Cork survived a late scare to grab a record 14th Tesco All-Ireland camogie title by 2-12 to 2-10.
Kilkenny started best with points from Lauren Ronan and Rachel Dowling but Gráinne Finn and Caoimhe Sheehan brought Cork level.
Cork edged two ahead when Rose Kelly goaled in the 27th minute.
The next puck out proved to be the most significant of the game as Cork hit with another goal a minute later from Fiona Twohig and that gave her side a lead they never relinquished.
It was 1-8 to 1-6 at the interval and points from Finn and Sinéád Hurley doubled the margin.
Kilkenny kept plugging away but Emily O’Donoghue’s goal at the three-quarter mark gave the Reds vital breathing space.
An O’Donoghue point put five between the sides and though Ronan goaled for the Cats on the hour, Cork would prevail.
The Kilkenny team
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Tom O’Hanlon
