Kilkerrin-Clonberne face off against Ballmacarbry of Waterford in this year's All-Ireland Senior Club Championship Final at Croke Park this Saturday, December 16. Reigning champions Kilkerrin-Clonberne are gunning for their third consecutive All-Ireland title as they take on the Waterford side participating in their first final since 1998.
Kilkerrin-Clonberne were pushed to the wire in their semi-final victory over Kilmacud Crokes. Points from Maeve Flanagan and Olivia Divilly helped them to overcome their Dublin opponents 0-15 to 1-10 after extra-time in a pulsating encounter at Parnell Park. The sides were inseperable at the end of normal time, but Kilkerrin Clonberne had that little-bit extra in the tank in the additional period to keep their bid for three-in-a-row alive.
After a riveting 60 minutes of action, the sides continued to trade blows in extra-time. Level at the end of the first period, a fine point from substitute Flanagan gave Kilkerrin-Clonberne a 0-14 to 1-10 lead on the stroke of 70 minutes. The Galway side held on to their slim lead as the final whistle approached, until Divilly's free-kick on 82 minutes roared her side to a two-point victory.
Kilkerrin-Clonberne showed they have the fight and character to maintain their champion status in the All-Ireland Senior Club Championship by passing the feisty examination that Kilmacud Crokes posed to them. This Saturday's final will be equally as hotly contested as Ballymacarbry aim to cause an upset after easing past Clann Éireann in their respective semi-final.
Ballymacarbry brushed aside Ulster champions Clann Éireann as they booked their place in a first All-Ireland final in 25 years. A goal just after half-time from Aileen Wall proved decisive as Ballymacarbry pulled away for a deserved victory, with Bríd McNaugh bagging four points for the winners. The Munster side were too strong for their Armagh counterparts as they won by 1-10 to 0-5.
Ballymacarbry will not make it easy for the Galway team that have three-in-a-row firmly in their sights. It is set-up to be an intriguing encounter in the capital. Throw-in is at 5pm in Croke Park, and the match will be broadcast live on TG4.
