Kilmessan claim crown at second attempt

Helped by a powerful, spirited second-half display Kilmessan won their second All-Ireland Junior Camogie title since 2014 when they defeated Clanmaurice 0-9 to 0-5 at the home of Silvermines GAA club today. 

There were great scenes of joys  at the end among the Kilmessan camp as the players rightfully celebrated a brilliant victory. 

It was as certainly hard earned with Kilmessan making the most of the reprieve they got the previous week to push on and win. 

Aileen Donnelly, who of course, grabbed Kilmessan's last-gasp goal in the drawn encounter again played a significent role in Kilmessan's display firing over five points from frees that were to prove so crucial. Two of those were bagged in the opening half with the sides going in at the break 0-4 apiece.  

Donnelly's unerring contribution added to points from play by Katie Ni Choileain, Megan Thynne, Megan Ni Choileain and Nadine Doyle helped the Meath side to a wonderful success. 

The Kerry side were unable to find their momentum in this game with four of their five points scored by Patrice Diggin from frees. 

Kilmessan goalkeeper Ann Marie Dennehy also played her part with a number of excellent saves in the closing stages as Clanmaurice sought redemption. 

See reports, quotes and photographs in this week's Meath Chronicle.