Kilkenny Under-16 Camogie girls under the management team of Paddy Kelly, TJ Bryan and David Hogan are on the verge of an All-Ireland final place as they prepare for Saturday’s All-Ireland semi-final encounter with Clare in Killmallock Co Limerick — 1pm throw-in.
Drawn in a very tough group involving both of last year’s All-Ireland finalists, Kilkenny defied the odds by defeating both Tipperary and Galway to reach the semi-final and top the group in the process. No mean feat. Kilkenny displayed great character in both those games, as they weathered the storm to grind out results when their backs were against the wall.
The first game against Tipperary was a crucial game, as Kilkenny trailed 1-7 to 0-7 entering the closing five minutes. However, 1-2 in quick succession from Julie Anne Malone turned the game on its head completely as Kilkenny survived late Tipperary pressure to emerge victorious by a solitary point 1-9 to 1-8.
Next up was Galway on March 19, and superb defensive display from the Kilkenny girls laid the foundations for victory. Buoyed on by a strong first-half breeze, goals from Lydia Fitzpatrick and Aine Gannon put Kilkenny into a commanding 10-point lead.
However, Galway as expected responded, before the Kilkenny management made a significant switch.
Moving Julie-Anne Malone to midfield helped tighten proceedings around that area as Miriam Walsh began to surge forward. Kilkenny responded with four unanswered points that proved decisive, as their defensive unit had to survive late Galway pressure to come out on top. Having topped the group, Kilkenny easily defeated Derry 5-23 to 1-2, before crushing Wexford the following Monday evening in the Leinster semi-final.
The Leinster final played last Sunday afternoon in Kilmanagh saw Kilkenny easily gain revenge over Dublin for last year’s Leinster final defeat running out 12-points victors— 4-15 to 3-6.
With that Leinster title behind them, Kilkenny will breeze into the All-Ireland semi-final full of confidence.
Their opponents on Saturday, Clare crushed the hearts of the Dublin players in a winner takes all clash as an injury-time goal gave them snatched victory in a seven goal thriller — 4-7 to 3-9.
Clare will be no pushover on Saturday, but Kilkenny’s results so far, and the profile and manner of victories will make them favourites. The Kilkenny forwards haven’t produced top gear so far this year. If they can this Saturday, an All-Ireland final place beckons.
