All Ireland Ladies Under 16 Final Waterford v Kildare

Waterford and Kildare Ladies renew old rivalries at under 16 level when they contest this year’s All Ireland final tonight (Wednesday) in Callan Co Kilkenny. This promises to be an intriguing and closely fought encounter between two very even teams, who will give it their all to bring the coveted trophy home. Both teams having won their respective provincial finals, qualified for the final the hard way overcoming large deficits when all seemed lost in their semi-finals. In the semis Waterford defeated Monaghan by a single point 1-15 to 3-8 coming back from being eight points down after only 20 minutes. Kildare did something similar, overturning a Roscommon lead of five points with 8 minutes to go to win by two points on a score line of Kildare 3-8 Roscommon 1-12.

Both teams are very strong in all areas of the field and pride themselves on their team work. For Kildare Orlaith Sullivan is a forward of note, scoring a grand total of 3-4 in their semi-final including 2-2 in their last gasp comeback and she needs to be watched carefully. Ciara Price is another good forward and Claire Nugent at full back and Mia Doherty in the corner they have two resolute defenders. Sally Murphy came on as a sub in the semi final and really took over at midfield to turn the tide in the Lilywhites favour.

Waterford have a very experienced team and are strong all over the field. There are eleven clubs represented on the panel from Ballyduff Upper all the way down to Gaultier in the East. Rosie Landers is an excellent goalkeeper and is going for her second All Ireland under 16 medal having been on the team that won two years ago. The full backs are strong and resolute with great players like Roisin Dunphy, Leah Sheridan, Carly Dunford, Kirsty Green, Ellen Kirwan and Claragh Mc Cann all in the running for selection. In the half line Tao Behan, Cora Murray and Mary Kate Curran who along with goalie Rosie, Keeley Corbett Barry and Annie Fitzgerald are seeking their second medal at this grade provide a formidable barrier and will not be easily beaten.

In mid-field Kelly Anne Hogan and Keeley Corbett Barry are very hard working and are great to set up attack after attack and provide plenty of possession for a forward line who know how to score. In the forward line there are many dangerous players with an eye for goal.Briannagh Nic Craith makes a welcome return after illness, captain Annie Fitzgerald leads the attack from centre forward, ably aided by her club mates Clodagh Carroll, Jodie Tuohy and Emma Flynn. Aoife Brazil was one of the many heroes from the semi final contributing that all important goal and alongside her in the full forward line you have players of the calibre of Sarah Lacey, Annie Fitzgerald and Sheenagh Mc Guckian who are capable of ripping any defence to shreds. This is a very strong team and manager Johnny Troy is also sure in the knowledge that players like Megan Foran, Caoimhe Ahearn, Caoimhe Hassett, Saoirse Hennebry, Emma Power, Emma Stubbs, Meadhbh Kiernan, Aoife Kennedy and Shiona Dunphy will not be found wanting when they are called upon to play their part.

It promises to be an epic encounter, management team of Johnny Troy, Paul Fitzgerald, Kevin Barry, Fionnuala Flynn, Gráinne Costello, Hannah Flynn and Bríd Dunphy have this team prepared to the very best for the last few months. It will be close but if Waterford play the football that they are capable of doing, Johnny Troy and his team will be bringing the under 16 All Ireland title back to Waterford for the second time in three years. Best of luck to all concerned.

Throw in, in Callan GAA grounds Co. Kilkenny on Wednesday 26^th is at 7p.m with Eamonn Moran in charge of the whistle.