Munster Minor Ladies Final
Kerry v Cork Mallow May 7th @3.30 pm
There’s always something mystical about a Kerry and Cork clash at any level and the meeting of the sides in the Munster Minor final on Bank Holiday Monday May 7th could prove to be a classic.
Kerry came into the Munster championship as hot favourites, and rightly so, as the majority of the players were part of the double All Ireland winning U/16 teams of 2015 and 2016. They haven’t had things all of their own way however, and they will be up against it when they play a formidable Cork side in the final.
Kerry’s Munster campaign started on February 18th with a 3-13 to 3-5 victory over Tipperary in Firies. Hannah O’Donoghue was on fire that day scoring 3 goals and 6 points, as Kerry displayed some excellent team work to record an impressive win.
Kerry made the long journey to Skibbereen for the next round of the competition to face Cork on April 2nd. The rebellettes were too hot for Kerry on the day and secured an impressive 4-12 to 3-6 victory over the Kingdom. This defeat meant that Kerry would have to face Tipperary once again if they were to advance to the Munster final. Tipperary had learned a lot since their first meeting, and were full value for a 2-6 to 0-7 lead at half time. The Kerry players had to dig deep in the second half and they outscored their opponents by 2-6 to 0-5 to record a 2 point victory.
Cork’s path to the final was more straight forward and after their 9 point victory over Kerry, they recorded a 2-14 to 0-6 victory over Tipperary in Round 2. They are a formidable side and players like Ciara O’Shea, Sarah Leahy, Jenny Murphy, Ciara McCarthy, Emma Cleary, Katie Quirke and Fiona Keating are certain to test the Kerry girls resolve. They are managed by former Cork great John Cleary, and it is certain that he will have his side well drilled for the encounter.
Kerry will be equally as well prepared by Jonathan Griffin. With players of the calibre of Tara Breen, Kate Maher, Kayla O’Connor, Ciara Ryan, Ciara Murphy, Fiadhna Tangney Niamh O’Connor,Anna Clifford and Hannah O’Donoghue in their ranks they have the quality to defeat the Cork kingpins. A good start will be vital of course, as Cork can be very difficult to haul back if they establish a lead.
This Munster Final is a very difficult match to call. Cork will go in as favourites after their victory earlier in the campaign. Kerry will have learnt a lot from this defeat and if their forwards are on song they could come away with a narrow victory. It won’t be easy though and don’t be surprised if there is just a point or 2 between the sides at the finish.
The Kerry team to face Cork in the Munster Minor Championship final in Mallow is as follows;