Glen Dimplex Senior Championship Round 2
Kilkenny 0-10
Waterford 0-17,
Martin Quilty
At UPMC Nowlan Park
Kilkenny’s senior camogie team came up short against a sharp and clinical Waterford side in Saturday’s Glen Dimplex Senior Camogie Championship at UPMC Nowlan Park, going down 0-17 to 0-10. The fixture served as an entertaining curtain-raiser to the ONeills.com U20 All-Ireland Hurling Final and drew a solid crowd, giving both teams a useful a competitive atmosphere.
Despite the final scoreline, there were positive moments for the Cats — none more so than the outstanding first-half heroics of goalkeeper Aoife Norris. The Piltown shot-stopper was called into action within the first 20 seconds of the match and pulled off three crucial saves before the break to keep Kilkenny in the contest. Without her quick reactions, the scoreboard could have looked far worse by half time.
Laura Murphy continued to be a reliable scorer from placed balls, contributing eight points in total, including three early frees that kept Kilkenny in touch during a lively opening quarter. Steffi Fitzgerald and Mary O’Connell chipped in with points from play.
However, Waterford showed their intent and quality as the game wore on. Captain Niamh Rockett led by example, finishing with 0-9 (8f), while Beth Carton — as ever — caused problems in open play, notching three well-taken points. Waterford’s middle third gradually gained control, feeding quality ball into their inside forwards who kept the scoreboard ticking.
By half time, the Déise had built a 0-09 to 0-5 lead, a cushion they rarely looked like surrendering
A Game with Purpose
Kilkenny started the second half with intent, bringing on Aoife Prendergast and Sarah Barcoe to inject fresh energy into the side. That early purpose was rewarded when Mary O’Connell split the posts with a fine score from play eight minutes in — briefly narrowing the gap and lifting the home crowd’s spirits.
Laura Murphy added two more frees in quick succession, keeping Kilkenny within touching distance. The Cats looked to be clawing their way back into the contest, with some promising passages of play through midfield. However, every time Kilkenny began to build momentum, Waterford found a response.
Beth Carton continued to be a thorn in Kilkenny’s side, while Annie Fitzgerald and Maggie Gostl added stylish points from play. As the half progressed, Waterford’s work rate and composure on the ball shone through. Their use of space and support play created scoring chances that they took with clinical precision.
Murphy landed her seventh point of the day — another free — but it was telling that Kilkenny struggled to break down Waterford’s defence from open play. Meanwhile, the Déise finished strongly, with Niamh Rockett adding two more to her tally and Abbie Flynn finding space to drive over another fine score.
Despite the best efforts of Kilkenny’s defence and the calming presence of Aoife Norris — who continued to marshal her square well — the gap proved too wide to close. The final minutes saw Waterford keep their foot on the gas, and a late Rockett free sealed a deserved seven-point win.
While the second half showed flashes of Kilkenny’s potential, Waterford’s consistency and efficiency proved the difference.
Kilkenny’s management will take encouragement from the cool head of Aoife Norris between the posts but there is no doubt there’s work to do, especially in terms of scoring from open play, but the talent is undoubtedly there.
Teams: Kilkenny: Aoife Norris, Ava Brett, Tiffanie Fitzgerald, Ciara Phelan, Niamh Deely, Katie Power, Caoimhe Dowling, Aobha O’Gorman, Laura Greene, Mary O’Connell, Laura Murphy, Caoimhe Keher Murtagh, Katie Nolan, Kellyann Doyle, Steffi Fitzgerald
Subs Used: Aoife Prendergast, Sarah Barcoe, Michelle Teehan, Sophie Holden.
Waterford: Brianna O’Regan, Rachel Walsh, Kate Lynch, Allanah McNulty, Bevin Bowdren, Keeley Corbett Barry, Orla Hickey, Lorraine Bray, Eimear O’Neill, Abbie Flynn, Beth Carton, Niamh Rockett, Mairead O’Brien, Annie Fitzgerald, Maggie Gostl
Subs Used: Molly Comerford, Allanah O’Sullivan, Tara Power
Scorers: Kilkenny: L Murphy 0-8 (7f), M O’Connell 0-1, S Fitzgerald 0-1.
Waterford: N Rockett 0-9 (8f), B Carton 0-3, E O’Neill, A Fitzgerald, M Gostl, A Flynn 0-1 each
Referee: Cathal McAllister (Cork)
By PRO Thu 5th Jun
