Westmeath Overcome while Tipp lose out

Last weekend saw a very busy few days for Kilkenny Camogie teams. On Saturday last, the Intermediates took on Westmeath in John Locke Park. Having a 100% record in The Liberty Insurance Championship coming in to this game, no-one was taking anything for granted here. Westmeath are known to be a strong, physical team with no small amount of skill and they were coming to Kilkenny knowing that a win was vital for them to remain as contenders at the end of the Round-Robin. Though Kilkenny got off to the brighter start, scoring two quick points in the early minutes, Westmeath struck for goal after three minutes and thereafter, never relinquished the lead. At half time, it was eight points for the home side to 2-7 for Westmeath, with scores coming from Katie Nolan (five from placed balls), two points from frees for Aoife Prendergast and a point for Lydia Fitzpatrick.

The second half proved no easier for Kilkenny and the lack of scores from play proved to be costly with the bulk of our scores coming from frees. The ability of the Westmeath forward lines to cut through our defence and move the ball quickly led to them being a constant threat. The final score was Westmeath, 2-15 to Kilkenny’s 1-11. Katie Nolan added three points from frees to her earlier tally with substitute Afton Grace finishing a goal for the last score of the game.

Tomorrow, they face the long journey to Ballymena to face Antrim where a good win is vital to keeping their hopes alive. Best of luck to players and management.

Also on Saturday, our three Gaeltec u14 Development squads travelled to Portmarnock to take part in the Dublin blitz. All three teams performed well, reaching a final, a semi-final and just being pipped by scoring difference to get into the knock-out stages. These days are vital steps in a player’s development, with results just being a minor part in the overall experience. Well done to all.

On Sunday, Kilkenny u16s played their opening game in the All Ireland championship. They played Tipperary in Urlingford, where the border rivalries gave an added edge to the fixture. This was always going to be a good contest and so it proved. There was never more than a few points between these teams but with Kilkenny always just keeping a nose in front. The final score was Kilkenny 1-14 to Tipperary’s 1-11. This Sunday, they will travel to the Cork Camogie grounds where no easier a contest is expected. Best of luck to all.