Honours even in Freshford as Kilkenny camogie intermediates make their point against Dublin

Glen Dimplex Intermediate camogie championship

Kilkenny 2-10

Dublin 1-13

By Aoife Lanigan, PRO

The spoils were shared in Pairc Lachtain as the Kilkenny intermediates drew with Leinster rivals Dublin in the fifth round of the All-Ireland championship on Saturday.

Carlise Comerford made sure the hosts didn’t go home empty handed, firing over a last gasp point to deny the Dubs a win.

Kilkenny were quick off the mark when Danielle Morrissey pointed a free, but Dublin were just as quick to reply, Grainne Skelton equalising with a like score.

Then, in the fifth minute, the Cats hit the net. Carlise Comerford scored a great goal for Kilkenny, giving the Dublin ’keeper no chance.

The hosts kicked on, Danielle Morrissey pushing Kilkenny further ahead with another pointed free. However, Dublin hit the next three points through Grainne Skelton (two frees) and one from play by Anna Sullivan to leave just a point between the sides.

The home side didn’t panic, slotting over the final three scores of the half through Claire Doheny, Lauren Ronan and Danielle Morrissey (free) to go in 1-5 to 0-4 in front.

Dublin needed a good start to the second half – and got it when Grainne Skelton hit a free from the 65m line, the sliotar finding its way to the back of the Kilkenny net.

The Cats shrugged off that when Danielle Morrissey struck a lovely pointed free, but Dublin went ahead after a run of points from Grainne Skelton (0-2, 0-1 free), Eimear O’Leary and Emma Nolan left the score at 1-8 to 1-6 in their favour.

The action was end to end at this stage as Aoife Cantwell and Anna Sullivan traded points. Danielle Morrissey tacked on two pointed frees before Grainne Skelton hit another pointed free for Dublin to put them a point ahead again.

Big score

Kilkenny kept looking for a big score and found one to jump ahead again with 12 minutes to play. Hannah Scott’s clearance from defence was picked up by Aoife Cantwell. Cutting in from the wing she threaded a lovely ball on to the onrushing Lauren Ronan, who ran towards goal and batted the sliotar over the advancing goalkeeper’s head, putting Kilkenny two ahead.

Dublin weren’t finished, and turned things their way again with points from Grainne Skelton and Eimear O’Leary.

That left them a point ahead heading towards the final whistle, but Comerford’s final act ensured Kilkenny grabbed the point that keeps them within touching distance of group leaders Kerry.

Off to Meath

Kilkenny have a quick turnaround as their next match is away to Meath on Saturday. Throw-in in Rathmolyon is at 2pm.

Teams and scorers

Kilkenny – Danielle Morrissey (0-6, frees); Carlise Comerford, Lauren Ronan (1-1 each); Claire Doheny, Aoife Cantwell (0-1 each).

Dublin – Grainne Skelton (1-8, 1-7 frees); Anna Sullivan, Eimear O’Leary (0-2 each); Emma Moran (0-1).

Kilkenny – Cliona Murphy; Niamh Leahy, Rachel Brennan, Mairead Corcoran; Mairead Kennedy, Shauna Treacy, Hannah Scott; Danielle Morrissey, Kate McCluskey; Lauren Ronan, Caroline Kennedy, Aoife Cantwell; Claire Doheny, Carlise Comerford, Emma Mulhall. Subs: Rose Kelly for Kate McCluskey (inj), Jane Cass for Mairead Corcoran, Niamh Crowley for Emma Mulhall.

Dublin – Chloe Ní Cheallaigh; Roisin Ní Drisceoil, Niamh Gleeson, Carla Brogan; Sibeal Cherry, Sinead Murphy, Caoimhe French; Chloe O’Connor, Aoife Kenny; Roisin Ní Chatasaigh, Grainne Skelton, Eimear O’Leary; Anna Sullivan, Emma Moran, Jennifer Moore. Sub: Nicole Cotter for Caoimhe French.

Referee – Max Molloy (Wicklow).