KCs do it again!

Champions extend local dominance to 11 years

REIGNING All-Ireland champions Kilkerrin-Clonberne secured their 11th county title on the trot after they defeated a gutsy Claregalway outfit in Tuam Stadium on Sunday afternoon, writes Ivan Smyth.

However, an unfortunate injury suffered by Claregalway’s Megan Glynn early in the second half overshadowed proceedings. The end result was Glynn being carted away by an ambulance that had made its way onto the field after a stoppage of almost 30 minutes.

During that break in play, both sides returned to their dressing rooms before re-emerging and undergoing a 10-minute warm up. Claregalway did outscore Kilkerrin-Clonberne three points to one in the second half but they were never able to move within striking range. Meanwhile, an Olivia Divilly free was all Kilkerrin-Clonberne added in the final 30 minutes.

With these sides meeting in the county final for the fifth year running, Claregalway entered as hefty underdogs as they sought to defeat a side who have caused them much heartbreak. Charlotte Cooney was only fit enough to start on the bench as she came in to replace Glynn, while Claregalway were without inter-county goalkeeper Alannah Griffin due to injury.

If Claregalway were to produce the upset, they needed a strong start. Kilkerrin-Clonberne raced out of the traps though as Hannah Noone set up her sister Lynsey to curl over a left-footed effort from an acute angle after 15 seconds. Andrea Trill hit back with a Claregalway free when Deirdre Brennan was felled before Kilkerrin-Clonberne struck a hammer blow…

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