Kilkenny U16B vs Carlow – Leinster Championship Round 3
Kilkenny 4-12 Carlow 0-4
Kilkenny U16B faced Carlow in the third round of the U16B Leinster Championship, with the match taking place in challenging conditions at the Fenagh Centre of Excellence, Carlow. Despite strong gusts of wind and persistent rain, Tara McGree opened Kilkenny’s account after five minutes with a well-taken goal. Carlow responded with two points, both scored by Eimear Bolger following impressive solo runs. Kilkenny’s Emily Phelan demonstrated great determination and was rewarded with a point in the fourteenth minute.
A second goal for Kilkenny came courtesy of centre back Amy Hughes, who struck a long-range free that appeared to travel untouched directly into the net. Emily Farrell, Kilkenny’s goalkeeper, was called into action several times during the first half, showing great composure and confidently clearing every effort. One such clearance led to Carlow’s Ella Doyle converting a 45, but Kilkenny quickly regained momentum.
The next five points were scored by Kilkenny players: Orlaith Carroll, Tara McGree (with two points, including one from a free), Mia Rusnack, and Daisy Coomey all contributed to the tally. Carlow’s Rosanna Doyle added the final point of the half, marking their last score of the game in the thirty-second minute. The half-time score stood at Kilkenny 2–06, Carlow 0–04.
With the wind now at their backs, Kilkenny matched their first half scoring performance, adding another two goals and six points in the second half. Katie Comerford got Kilkenny off to a strong start, opening the scoring just two minutes in with a well-earned point. This was followed by three points from frees, with Tara McGree and Amy Hughes (two frees) capitalising on Carlow’s fouls.
The introduction of Maura Barton brought renewed pressure on the Carlow defence. Barton made an immediate impact, scoring two goals back-to-back within a two-minute span. Tara McGree rounded off Kilkenny’s scoring with a point from play and another from a placed ball. The match concluded with a final score of Kilkenny 4–12, Carlow 0–04.
The management can be satisfied with the overall effort and dedication displayed by the team throughout the match. Each player contributed significantly, demonstrating determination in challenging conditions. In particular, centre forward Sophie Ryan stood out for her exceptional work rate, consistently making valuable runs and supporting her teammates in attack. On the defensive end, Rebecca Murphy and Grace Roberts were especially impressive, showing resilience and composure to keep Carlow at bay and help secure a convincing victory for Kilkenny.
This is Kilkenny’s second win from three games, and they now await the results of other games to determine their placing in their group. Of the two groups, the top two teams qualify for the Championship final with 2nd placed teams going into the Shield final.
Substitutions played: Isabelle Norris, Maura Barton, Emma Dempsey, Cara Coogan, Kitty Conroy, Ivana Cahill.
Kilkenny Panel: Emily Farrell (Lisdowney), Ava Walsh (Danesfort), Eimear Cottrell (Rower Inistioge), Ellie Ann Spellman (Rower Inistioge), Rebecca Murphy (Mullinavat), Amy Hughes (Bennettsbridge), Grace Roberts (O’Loughlin Gaels),Orlaith Carroll (Young Irelands), Daisy Coomey (James Stephens), Emily Phelan (Clara), Sophie Ryan (Blacks & Whites), Caoimhe Egan (James Stephens), Katie Comerford (St. Brigids), Mia Rusnak (Bennettsbridge), Sophie Phelan (Mooncoin), Grainne O’Shea (Carrickshock) Aoife Ravenhall (Thomastown), Isabelle Norris (John Lockes), Clea Whelan (St. Annes), Julia Healy (St. Martins), Tara McGree (Tullaroan), Maura Barton (James Stephens), Emma Dempsey (Mullinavat), Cara Coogan (Ballyhale Shamrocks), Kitty Conroy (St. Brigids), Ivana Cahill (Carrickshock), Claire Kavanagh (Young Irelands), Molly Ryan (Tullogher).
Management: PJ Coady, Sinead Quigley, Tom Coogan, Ciaran Carroll, Linda Whelan.
By PRO Thu 5th Mar
