All Ireland Under 16 A Shield Camogie final

Clare 1-8 Antrim 0-10

A late goal by Clare broke Antrim hearts at Nowlan Park, Kilkenny on Saturday and gave the Banner county victory in the final of the All Ireland Under 16 Camogie championship

For long periods Antrim appeared to be on course for the win but a couple of late chances went astray and Clare goalkeeper Nisha O’Neill was in great form to deny the Saffrons victory.  Clare took the lead in the fourth minute with a point from left half forward Jessie Hogan, but a point from a free by full forward Mary McArthur soon had Antrim level again.

Antrim missed a couple of chances to take the lead but on 17 minutes their fortunes changed when Eva McNeill found the target to bring them level on 17 minutes and though Clare went ahead again a good finish to the half saw the Saffrons draw level at 0-4 apiece by half time.

Clare edged ahead again early in the second half, but Antrim drew level again when Mary McArthur pointed again on 35 minutes. Eobha McAlister put the Saffrons back in front again and they then had really bad look when a shot for a goal came back off the bar, but Clare got the ball scrambled away and Hogan brought the Munster girls back on level terms.

Clare then took the lead but Antrim came back through Eva McNeill and Aobha McAlister to set up a grandstand finish. However luck ran out for Saffrons as Clare grabbed the next three points to by 1-9 to 0-9. Antrim pushed hard and were given a chance to level when they were awarded a late free, but the shot dropped short and Clare held on for the win.

Desperately disappointing for the Antrim team, having come so very close, but they can be proud of what they have achieved this season and can hold their heads high.