Kildare 4-11 Westmeath 2-6
Kildare’s U16 camogie team secured the county’s first All-Ireland B Championship title with a 4-11 to 2-06 win over Westmeath at St. Brendan’s Park in Birr. The result caps a highly disciplined seven-month campaign. This was defined by a programme of physical training and technical skills development with weekly team sessions and a mid-winter training camp involving players from 12 clubs. Commencing in February in Ballyheigue Kildare’s path to the All Ireland involved wins v Kerry, Roscommon, Armagh and Meath.
Despite heavy rain and poor underfoot conditions in Birr, the squad demonstrated an impressive ability to secure a significant level of primary possession. This, allied with a high success rate in first touch, persistence in creating a high volume of scoring opportunities and success in denying the opposition, were key influences in getting the better of Westmeath.
At the back, the Kildare full back Réiltín Aherne anchored the backline, repeatedly transitioning play from defence to attack. Breffni Nolan, as captain, led the half back line, breaking up Westmeath’s efforts to breach the Kildare defence.
Up front, Ania Mazour’s pace from corner forward contributed two goals, while Holly Kinsella’s accuracy from both play and placed balls earned her Player of the Match honours.
Jules Flanagan and Catherine Murphy provided the necessary physicality and link play to maintain offensive pressure throughout the game.
Kildare dominated the last quarter when Westmeath were held scoreless. Finishing with a point on the 43rd minute it brought their tally to 2-6. Kildare’s shooting was peerless at this stage and they registered 1-6 without reply to bring their tally to a winning total of 4-11.
This victory is part of a broader trend within Kildare camogie. It follows the U16 development squad’s recent All-Ireland title, suggesting that the county’s current development model is yielding consistent results across different tiers.
With several players now transitioning toward minor and senior contention, the focus shifts to maintaining these standards. Kildare under 16s will now compete at the higher u16A Shield at All Ireland level in 2027.
Jubilant manager Cóilín O’Reilly paid tribute to the panel and pointed out that “This B title serves as a practical milestone for the county’s long-term strategic development rather than an end point. The county level effort, combining with the coaching inputs at club and schools’ levels is yielding a growing cohort of players increasingly competitive as they progress towards the higher echelons of inter county camogie”.
Kildare’s All Ireland winning panel: Lillian Rose Crimmins (Moorefield), Sarah Quinn (Celbridge), Réiltín Aherne (Sarsfields), Ciara Nolan (Éire Óg), Saoirse Hoolan (Kilcock), Breffni Nolan (captain)(Cappagh), Hannah McBride (Clane), Sadhbh O’Reilly (Celbridge), Doireann Lanigan (Celbridge), Chloe Cullen (Éire Og), Holly Kinsella (Round Towers), Jules Flanagan (Round Towers), Ania Mazur (Clane), Ellen Brennan (Eire Og), Catherine Murphy (Athy), Dearbhla Hearns (Kilcock), Lucy Bean (Maynooth), Eabha Browne (Celbridge), Megan Cribben (Clane), Ally Cross (Coill Dubh), Rachel Enright (Naas), Sophie Evans (Round Towers), Zoe Meaney (Maynooth), Katie O’Rourke (Kilcock), Ellie Griffin (Maynooth).
Kildare scorers: Holly Kinsella 2-6 (3f); Ania Mazur 2-1; Jules Flanagan (0-2); Ellie Brennan 0-1; Réiltín Aherne 0-1(f)
Management team: Cóilín O’Reilly, Mick Aherne, Rory Browne, Ronan Kinsella, Joan O’Flynn
By Donagh McInerney Sat 9th May
