Cork 0-10

Kilkenny 0-9

Kevin O’Brien reports from Croke Park

JULIA WHITE HIT the winner in the seventh minute of stoppage-time to steal victory for Cork just as the All-Ireland camogie final looked to be heading for a replay for the first time since 1981.

Oisin Keniry / INPHO Oisin Keniry / INPHO / INPHO

The Rebelettes made the most of the lengthy period of added time, intercepting Kilkenny as they attempted to break out from defence with White landing the crucial score at the death.

White only arrived onto the field in the 61st minute as a replacement for Chloe Sigerson, who was struggling with cramp, but it proved an inspired substitution by manager Paudie Murray.

It secured the 27th All-Ireland senior camogie title in Cork’s history, a result which pushes them to the top of the roll of honour – one ahead of Dublin.

Cork captain Rena Buckley lifted the O’Duffy Cup on a day where she collected an incredible 18th All-Ireland senior medal. She also became the first woman to captain her county to All-Ireland victory in both camogie and Ladies football.

Kilkenny defeated Cork by 1-13 to 1-9 in last year’s decider and by 2-7 to 0-10 in April’s league final, but paid for a poor first-half where they only managed two points against a strong breeze.

Bryan Keane / INPHO Bryan Keane / INPHO / INPHO

The game was played in front of 20,438 – the biggest crowd since 2009 and fifth biggest in camogie history.

It was anticipated that Kilkenny would employ a sweeper but both sides lined up with a conventional 15-on-15, although the Cats did leave Shelly Farrell isolated on the edge of the square for the first-half.

Danielle Morrissey and Miriam Walsh pulled out closer to the half-forward line, in an attempt to leave space for the dangerous Thomastown forward inside.

Cork played with five forwards against the breeze in the second half, withdrawing Orla Cotter as a third midfielder which allowed Ashling Thompson drop as cover in front of her full-back line.

The big prematch news was Gemma O’Connor taking her place in the Cork starting 15. She was ruled out after picking up a knee injury in the semi-final against Galway. Not alone did O’Connor start but she was was required to tag reigning Player of the Year Denise Gaule.

Heavy rain fell just before the throw-in and it affected the game as a spectacle, particularly in the opening half. Kilkenny scored just twice in the first 30 minutes, where they struggled offensively, and their manager Ann Downey looked visibly frustrated going in at the interval.

Bryan Keane / INPHO Bryan Keane / INPHO / INPHO

The Cats had just six shots at the target, hitting three wides and dropping one effort short. Cork’s defensive excellence was typified by Thompson’s outstanding double-block on Gaule and Meighan Farrell.

At the other end four of Cork’s forwards were on target by half-time, but their 0-5 to 0-2 lead wasn’t exactly vintage stuff.

The Farrell sisters began to take control of the contest after the break. Meighan Farrell slotted over a brace, then set up Katie Power who split the posts.

Shelly Farrell was fouled twice as she ran at the Cork rearguard, with Denise Gaule converting both scoring chances to hand Kilkenny the lead for the first time in the game in the 40th minute.

Orla Cotter (free) and Orla Cronin hit a score apiece to move the Rebelettes back in front but Kilkenny had the momentum. Julie Ann Malone hit a fine score and with six minutes left Miriam Walsh shook off two defenders and raised a white flag from a narrow angle.

Gemma O’Connor hit a monster score to pull Cork level, and substitute White raised the white flag in the final minute to seal the victory.

Scorers for Cork: Orla Cronin 0-3, Amy O’Connor 0-2, Orla Cotter (0-1f), Gemma O’Connor, Libby Coppinger, Katrina Mackay and Julia White 0-1 each.

Scorers for Kilkenny: Denise Gaul 0-3 (0-2f), Julie Ann Malone and Meighan Farrell 0-2 each, Katie Power and Miriam Walsh 0-1 each.

Cork