There was devastation for Dublin and jubilation for Cork as the clock ticked down on this year’s TG4 All-Ireland ladies senior football final at Croke Park.
A thrilling game saw Dublin seemingly in control against their old nemesis and at one stage, were ahead by 10 points with 15 minutes to go. But Cork have not been crowned champions for eight of the last nine years for no reason, and launched the comebacks of all comebacks to take the crown by the smallest of margins; 2-13 to 2-12.
Dublin’s Lindsay Peats scores a goal. (Pics: Inpho)
Dublin had the lead going into the dressing room at half time, and when another strong burst in the early exchanges of the first half sent them further in front, it seemed that the capital would finally have their day – having waited since 2010.
Cork had other ideas though, and brought the game right down to the death, where they showed their mettle and determination to hold tight onto a late, one-point lead. Goals from substitutes Rhona Ní Bhuachalla and Eimear Scally propelled Cork to victory, while Player of the Year, Geraldine O’Flynn sealed the win with a late point.
Cork goal-scorer, Rhona Ní Bhuachalla celebrates. (Pics: Inpho)
Cork are now senior champions for the ninth time in ten years, and have also famously completed another double – now both football and camogie senior All-Ireland champions.
The game was the highlight of a superb showcase of ladies football at Croke Park. Fans were on tentherhooks right until the closing stages of this game, which was a real squeaky bum encounter.
Wexford’s Clara Donnelly lifts the junior All-Ireland cup. (Pics: Inpho)
Earlier on in the day Wexford overcame New York in a thrilling junior final clash,which saw a Maria Byrne first-half goal clinch the victory for her side. Wexford had to hold firm when full back, Marica Cullen was sin-binned early in the second half,but New York just weren’t able to capitalise on their numerical advantage. Wexford dug deep and ran out winners at the final whistle 1-12 to 1-10.
Meanwhile, Down rampaged home to victory over Fermanagh in the intermediate final, netting a whopping 6-16 to Fermanagh’s 1-10. Mark Copeland’s team claimed their first All-Ireland crown since 2000, when they won the junior, with this emphatic victory.
Down ladies celebrate their win. (Pics: Inpho)
Despite lining out without star forward, Kyla Trainor, Down were dominant from the off, nabbing three first half goals to put them nine ahead at the break. Down even managed to hold on to victory despite two players being sent to the sin-bin during the game and when they released Kyla Trainor onto the pitch, the shining star slammed home an unanswered 2-2 in a devastating purple patch.
Fermanagh’s day was made worse when they too had a sin-bin eight minutes from time, and they just couldn’t come back from a devastating six-goal rampage.
Niamh McGowan lifts the Mary Quinn memorial cup. (Pics: Inpho)
