Cork U23 camogie team lose out to Kilkenny in the All-Ireland round robin series

Kilkenny 3-13 

Cork 2-9 

In ideal conditions in Pairc Lachtain Freshford, the  Cork U23 camogie team were beaten by Kilkenny in round four of the All-Ireland U23 camogie championship on Sunday afternoon.

But, with three wins out of four games, Cork are still top of the group with Tipperary a point behind, followed by Kilkenny and Galway and all with one game to play.

With their place in the last four already secured following three wins out of their first three games, Cork took on a Kilkenny sides hunting to secure their place in the last four with one round of game to go and it was Kilkenny who ran out winners.

There was a lively start with a goal at either end within five minutes of throw in, Amy Brenan had pointed on twenty seconds to give Kilkenny the lead from play.

Cork opened their account with an Amy Sheppard goal on four minutes but on the restart Ciara Hurley had to be at her best to deny Leah Brett’s goal effort before Amy Brennan won possession and finished to the net to restore the home sides lead.

Keeping the pressure on the Cork defence Kilkenny extended their lead with two Ellen Gunner points and with the sides evenly matched they traded points Emily O’ Donoghue narrowed the gap, Ciara Ryan responded as Kilkenny maintained their three point advantage.

Ellen Gunner pointed a free to stretch their lead to four points but a Ciara Golden goal on seventeen minutes had Cork back within touching distance.

As the pace dropped a little the side’s battled for scores an injury held up play giving the sides a chance of a breather and on the restart Ellen Gunner pointed from play to put Kilkenny two in front.

Cork pressed hard and with Emily O’Donoghue winning a penalty Kilkenny keeper Ciara Duggan denied Eimear Duignan with an excellent save. Keeping the pressure on Amy McCarthy pointed but again Ellen gunner who was superb for Kilkenny pointed, on the stroke of half time Amy Sheppard pointed a free to leave Kilkenny a point ahead at the break 1-7 to 2-3.

Scores came fast and furious on the restart Amy Brennan had two Kilkenny points but in between Maebh O’Brien had one back for Cork and as the sides traded score for score Amy Brennan and Ciara Ryan with a point each edged Kilkenny three points in front.

Cork worked hard and an Amy Sheppard pointed free narrowed the gap, Ellen Gunner and Amy Brennan were prominent for Kilkenny as they battled to hold onto their lead, Cork kept the pressure on and with a lot of stoppages for injuries it was a stop start closing quarter.

Ciara Hurley denied Kilkenny substitute Marie Clare O’Dwyer with an excellent save but winning possession again Kilkenny pressed and Claire Doheny finished to the net to put Kilkenny two goals clear as the game entered added time.

Cork responded well with three points without reply Erinn Curtin, Ella Wiggington – Barrett and Eimear Duignan on target but a Kilkenny goal from Lucy Boyle and a Ciara Ryan point ensured it was the home side prevailed.

Scorers for Kilkenny: E Gunner 0-7 (0-3f’s), A Brennan 1-3, C Ryan 0-3, C Doheny, C Boyle 1-0 each.

Cork: A Sheppard 1-2 (0-2f’s), C Golden 1-0, E Duignan 0-2 (0-1f), E O’ Donoghue, A Mc McCarthy M O’ Brien, E Curtin, E Wiggington -Barrett 0-1 each.

Kilkenny : C Duggan; R Brennan, K Ryan, S Kerr; N Phelan, A Rohan, A Doheny; C Power, K McCluskey; K Ryan, E Gunner, C Doheny; K Brennan, L Brett, A Brennan.

Subs: M C O’ Dwyer for K Brennan (49), L Boyd for L Brett (57), M Conroy for C Doheny (61).

Cork: C Hurley (St Finbarr’s); M De Burca (Carrigtwohill), A Barrett(Aghabullogue) A O’ Riordain (Ballinora); L O’ Donovan (St Finbarr’s), L Dunlea(Sarsfields); A O’ Sullivan (Mallow); A McCarthy (Clonakilty), C Murphy (Kinsale); A Sheppard (Cloughduv) C Morrison (Castlelyons) E Duignan (Mallow); M O’ Brien (Enniskeane), E O’ Donoghue (Bishopstown) C Golden (St Finbarr’s).

Subs: S Murphy (Glen Rovers) for L O’ Donovan (15 inj), E Wiggington-Barrett (St Finbarr’s) for A McCarthy (h/t inj), E Curtin (Blackrock) for C Golden (45).

Referee: Gavin Donegan (Dublin).