IT WAS LADIES’ Day in Croke Park as the All-Ireland Camogie finals took centre stage on Sunday.
Kilkenny came to Headquarters hoping for a double but in the end, it was Cork, Limerick and Down who left Jones’ Road with the biggest smiles.
On Saturday night, Clare’s history boys completed their U21 hurling treble while there was no shortage of shocks in the club championships across the country.
Here’s what you need to know.
Talking points
Yesterday’s senior camogie final was a typical game of two halves. Kilkenny dominated the first and were unlucky not to be more than 1-6 to 0-4 ahead at the break, but Cork were a completely different beast in the second 30. Jenny O’Leary’s goal on 41 minutes tipped the balance in their favour before Angela Walsh put the icing on the cake late on.
Limerick buried the ghosts of 2013 with a five-point win against Kilkenny in the Intermediate final. Niamh Mulcahy was a worthy Player of the Match after she finished with 0-7, three from play.
But while Limerick celebrated last night, Laois left Croke Park with a familiar sinking feeling. For the second straight year they lost the Premier Junior final, this time against Down.
Where do Clare now rank in the list of great U21 hurling sides? They’re up there — it’s only the fourth time that a county has done three-in-a-row, placing them alongside Cork (four from 1968-1971), Tipperary (1979-1981) and Limerick (2000-2002).
There won’t be too much partying for three of the Cork team though. Briege Corkery, Angela Walsh and Rena Buckley will all be back in action in the Ladies Football Final against Dublin on 28 September.
Initiate Plan B
Clare staged the mother and father of all pitch invasions after the U21 final in Thurles on Saturday night.
I know they have always been proud of Gearoid O’Connell in Ballyea but the mental resolve he showed to come out tonight and play as he did was outstanding.
– Clare joint-manager Donal Moloney and captain Tony Kelly led the tributes to Gearoid O’Connell, the young wing-back whose father died in a farming accident last week.
All white now
Kildare might not be a traditional hurling stronghold but after winning the Christy Ring Cup earlier in the year, the Lilywhites added the All-Ireland U21B title in Thurles on Saturday night.
Your GAA weekend review
IT WAS LADIES’ Day in Croke Park as the All-Ireland Camogie finals took centre stage on Sunday.
Kilkenny came to Headquarters hoping for a double but in the end, it was Cork, Limerick and Down who left Jones’ Road with the biggest smiles.
On Saturday night, Clare’s history boys completed their U21 hurling treble while there was no shortage of shocks in the club championships across the country.
Here’s what you need to know.
Talking points
Agony…
And ecstasy
Putting a name to a face
It’s not an All-Ireland win without a selfie (Part I)
It’s not an All-Ireland win without a selfie (Part II)
Behind the scenes
How about this pic from inside the victorious Cork dressing room?
And after the show it’s the after-party
Cork kicked off their celebrations in the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel last night and, as per usual, Marty Morrissey was there in the thick of things.
Double down
There won’t be too much partying for three of the Cork team though. Briege Corkery, Angela Walsh and Rena Buckley will all be back in action in the Ladies Football Final against Dublin on 28 September.
Initiate Plan B
Clare staged the mother and father of all pitch invasions after the U21 final in Thurles on Saturday night.
Who was minding the house?
Pride of the Parish
– Clare joint-manager Donal Moloney and captain Tony Kelly led the tributes to Gearoid O’Connell, the young wing-back whose father died in a farming accident last week.
All white now
Kildare might not be a traditional hurling stronghold but after winning the Christy Ring Cup earlier in the year, the Lilywhites added the All-Ireland U21B title in Thurles on Saturday night.
Rolling back the years
Kildare legend — and TheScore.ie football columnist — Johnny Doyle might have hung up his inter-county boots but he’s still kicking points for fun.
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Club round-up
#MayoSFC: Champions Castlebar, Ballintubber, Knockmore and Garrymore booked their places in the semi-finals.
#RoscommonSFC: Senan Kilbride was the man for St Brigid’s on Saturday night; they’ll be joined by Padraig Pearses in the semis.
#MeathSFC: Champions Summerhill crashed out, but Na Fianna marched on
#CorkSHC: Glen Rovers and Na Piarsaigh are into the semi-finals
#WaterfordSHC: Mount Sion, Ballygunner booked the last two SF spots
What’s next?
Oh, there’s just the little matter of an All-Ireland Senior Football final between Kerry and Donegal next Sunday. No biggie…
Tears and cheers: 23 pictures that sum up a brilliant All-Ireland Camogie finals day
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All-Ireland camogie GAA GAA 2014