All Ireland U 16 Ladies Football Final 2014
Cork 4 07 Dublin 2 07

Cork retained their U 16 Ladies Football All Ireland title when they defeated a good Dublin side at a sunny Templemore on Saturday last. A very large crowd from both counties travelled to see a great game of Ladies Football played at a frantic pace by two very skilful teams.
Playing with the aid of a slight cross field breeze in the first half Cork started well and had a goal and a point on the score board in the first few minutes. Dublin eventually settled but found it very difficult to penetrate the Cork full back line as Emma Spillane, Sophie Hurley and Aishling O Sullivan were well on top of their game. Cork kept picking off their scores and another goal had them cruising before a late rally at the end of the first period saw Dublin narrow the gap to just four points at the interval 2-04 to 1-03.
Dublin started the second half well with their backs playing very solid making it very difficult for the Cork forwards but they just could not get to grips with the Cork mid field pairing of Ciara McCarthy and Niamh Murphy (Erin’s Own) who were outstanding. Niamh’s work rate was unbelievable both in defence and attack as time and time again she broke the hearts in the Dublin outfit with her timely interceptions and accurate deliveries. Ciara who was awarded the player of the match award cut through the Dublin defence like a knife through butter and her fielding was as good as any in Croke Park or Limerick over the weekend. Cork forwards played well as a unit and moved the ball quickly. East Cork girls Abbey Scannell (Fermoy) and Grace Culloty (Bride Rovers) both put in very solid performances but were very well marked by the Dublin girls. Cork scored two further goals and three points again outscoring Dublin in the second period to eventually win on a score line 4-07 to 2-07.This was a great team performance by Cork and looking at the age profile of both teams I am sure many of the girls may meet again in next years championship. Well done to both teams and congratulations to all the Cork panel and management.