Cork U16s miss out on All-Ireland final after stunning Kildare comeback

Kildare 2-14 Cork 3-10 

Kildare produced a stunning second-half comeback to deny Cork an AirNav All-Ireland U16 A final berth in Fethard Town Park, Tipperary.

Leading 2-9 to 1-6 early in the second period, Cork looked in complete control amid soaring temperatures.

That was Kildare’s cue to up the tempo however and outscore their opponents 1-8 to 1-2 to edge the result by a single point.

Led by a talented full-forward line of Catherine Murphy, Amy Wall and Anna Dillon, Kildare would not be denied. As for Cork, Ioannis O’Connell’s side was unable to replicate the form that led to a Munster final triumph over Kerry nine weeks before.

Kildare move forward to a first All-Ireland U16A final appearance against Cavan.

Extremely hot and humid conditions greeted the teams at throw-in despite a 7.30pm start. Kildare were quickly into their rhythm with Catherine Murphy brought down inside the square. The same player converted the resulting penalty.

Cork’s response was positive but two wides and another effort that came back off the post made for frustrating viewing.

Once they settled, the Rebels quickly levelled courtesy of Isabelle O’Callaghan, Nell Kinsella and Shauna Keane (free) efforts.

Kinsella went one better after 11 minutes, racing clear of Kildare’s defence and walloping into the roof of the net. Their opponents replied via Catherine Murphy and Amy Wall to make it 1-3 to 1-2.

Cork had another sting left in their tail prior to the first water break as a sweeping move ended with Niamh O’Connor billowing the net.

Shauna Keane (free) and Caoimhe Scully swapped scores on the resumption before Nell Kinsella made it 2-5 to 1-3. Kildare hit a purple patch with the excellent Murphy and Anna Dillon scoring to reduce the deficit to three.

A terrific ending to the half saw Cork’s Niamh O’Connor and Abbie Ní Scannlain firing over. Kildare’s Catherine Murphy took her personal tally to 1-3 to make it 2-8 to 1-6. Excellent saves at either end concluded an entertaining first 30 minutes.

Keane (free) increased Cork’s lead shortly after the restart but that would be the Munster champions’ last score for 20 barren minutes.

Kildare tore into Cork and completely dominated the third quarter. Anna Dillon scorched a rocket into the top corner to begin her side’s comeback after 35 minutes.

Cork had no answers as Amy Wall, Anna Dillon, Grace Byrne (two) points saw the Leinster side lead 2-10 to 2-9 at the final water break.

Another Dillon score preceded a badly needed Cork white flag from Nessa McCormack. Kildare refused to buckle however, and a Catherine Murphy effort made it 2-12 to 2-10 with five minutes remaining.

Grace Byrne increased Kildare’s advantage before a hotly debated Amy Wall point - Cork believed the effort went wide - handed the leaders a four-point cushion with time almost up.

Credit to Cork, who fought back and Kate O’Connell left the bare minimum in it when she hammered home the Rebels’ third goal.

There wasn’t enough time for Cork to conjure up an equaliser and Kildare celebrated their first ever All-Ireland U16A final appearance.

Scorers for Kildare: C Murphy 1-4, A Dillon 1-3, A Wall, G Byrne 0-3 each, C Cully 0-1.

Cork: N Kinsella 1-2, S Keane 0-4 (0-3 f), N O’Connor 1-1, K O’Connell 1-0, I O’Callaghan, A Ní Scannlain, N McCormack 0-1 each.

KILDARE: S Burke; R Enright, A Blake, K Mooney; K Hill, S Hannick, D Lanigan; L A Keatley, G Martin; C Cully, G Byrne, A Lundy; C Murphy, A Wall (c), A Dillon.

Subs: E Moran for K Hill (44), K McDonald for D Lanigan (51).

CORK: L Hodman (Naomh Fionnbarra); A McCarthy (Castlehaven), M Whelton (Ibane Ladies), L Kelleher (Kinsale); S McCormack (Mallow), L O’Brien (Douglas), C Brennan (Inch Rovers); O O’Brien (St Val’s, c), E O’Sullivan (Ballincollig); A Ní Scannlain (Naomh Abán), A Harte (Ibane Ladies), N Kinsella (Kilmacabea); I O’Callaghan (St Val’s), N O’Connor (Ballincollig), S Keane (St Val’s).

Subs: N McCormack (Mallow) for N O’Connor, R O’Sullivan (Castlehaven) for A Ní Scannlain (both 37), M Humphreys (Banteer) for C Brennan, K O’Connell (Watergrasshill) for S Keane (both 47), C Hanrahan (Ballycastle Gaels) for N Kinsella (58).

Referee: Shane Curley (Galway).