U16 Munster Cup Final

Killarney RFC 31 Shannon 15

Musgrave Park

A late push saw the Killarney U16s capture their second Munster title of the season at a resplendent Musgrave Park on Sunday last. They were pushed all the way by a gallant Shannon side but the Kerry girls showed massive resolve and determination to secure another prestigious trophy.

Killarney started off very strongly and raced into a commanding 14-0 lead after just 11 minutes. A superb try by team captain Fia Whelan, which she duly converted herself, sent the Munster League champs on their way and then, moments later, a penalty try was awarded to Killarney.

Katie O’Donoghue was next to score for Killarney after some great interplay by Bronagh Dorian and Ali O’Donoghue. Shannon responded with a try just before half-time, but the Killarney girls still led by 16 points (21-5) at the break.

Whatever the Shannon mentors said at half-time clearly worked as they scored the next two tries to make it a one-score game midway through the second half.

The Shannon brace seemed to be the catalyst for Killarney. No. 8 Ava O’Malley gathered the ball at the halfway line and made a fabulous weaving run to score a phenomenal try in the corner.

Replacement Holly O’Sullivan was obviously hungry to get into the action very quickly after coming on and she scored a superb try to close out the game in the dying minutes.

“The girls have worked extremely hard all season and have improved week on week,” coach Josh Whelan said. “They are a superb bunch of young girls and an absolute joy to coach.

“Obviously the girls played their part on the field but the glue to keeping the whole thing together all season is our amazing manager, Anne Gabbet, who deserves special mention. Without Anne days like this wouldn’t happen.”

KILLARNEY: Annie O’Reilly, Ella Guerin Crowley, Molly Gabbett, Joanne O’Keefe, Melissa McCarthy, Grainne Kennedy, Clodagh Foley, Ava O’Malley, Robyn Landers, Fia Whelan (captain), Katie O’Donoghue, Bronagh Dorrian, Ali O’Donoghue, Niamh Dorrian, Marina Eager, Holly O’Sullivan, Jess O’Sullivan, Miriam O’Sullivan, Isabella O’Leary, Grainne Kennedy, Lucy O’Sullivan, Nell Moore. Coaches: Diarmuid O’Malley, Josh Whelan. Manager: Anne Gabbett.