It was an intense battle today at Croke Park between Cork and Kilkenny in the All-Ireland camogie final. Cork were going for a three in a row and the game was tantalisingly poised with none other than their old rivals Kilkenny, who were seeking to win their first All-Ireland title in 22 years, standing in their way.
And we got a taste of what was to follow even before throw-in, as the pre-match handshake saw jostling between the teams. Not sure about RTE's choice of words, mind. Reaction to the incident wasn't exactly positive from onlookers.
Handbags at the Camogie final https://t.co/yRzv6Lba9y
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) September 11, 2016
I think the handshake pre match for all codes should stop, #Camogie just showed that.
— Richie Humphreys (@Richiethehump) September 11, 2016
Ridiculous behaviour from Cork captain and team with slow stares and aggressive handshakes. Cop on. #Camogie
— Bill Canning (@BILLCANNING) September 11, 2016
The game started with both sides trading blows, though Cork were guilty of a slow start to the game. They were lucky not to concede after Michelle Quilty went agonisingly wide with a goal opportunity for Kilkenny - and there was always the sense that Kilkenny needed to take more of their opportunities ahead of the anticipated Cork resurgence in the second half.
A high level of skill was evident throughout - as well as a few connections to the Cats hurling side that had lined out the week before.
Tommy & Pádraig Walsh's sister playing #camogie for #Kilkenny. Imagine playing with those lads in the haggard when you were a little girl.
— Cathy Power (@cathypower) September 11, 2016
Some game of #Camogie #AllIrelandFinal #pulllikeadog
— Helen Nic Mhathúna (@HelenMc22) September 11, 2016
As the game went on, there were a number of complaints about the display of referee Eamon Cassidy. The general perception seemed to be one of inconsistency from him and the creation of a slightly stop-start nature to the game.
The Ref is melting my ceann with the amount of inconsistent calls. Let the game flow lad. #Camogie #Kilkenny #OurGameYourGame 🙈🙈😒
— L. NíHéineacháin (@LaobhaoiseNihE) September 11, 2016
That feckin ref is destroying the #camogie final let the game flow man
— Brige O'Connor (@Brige1468) September 11, 2016
Have we managed a full length of the pitch without the ref blowing up? #Camogie
— Martha (@MarthadeFaoite) September 11, 2016
Half-time came and went and Kilkenny led by 0-8 to 0-6 in what was a low-scoring but entertaining game, and the expectation was perhaps that Cork would come out like trains...but Kilkenny had other ideas, aided by an absolute screamer around the 40 minute mark by Shelly Farrell.
Shelly Farrell finds the back of the net to give Kilkenny a 7 point lead against Cork in the Camogie final. https://t.co/vB748k5Rbq
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) September 11, 2016
Kilkenny fans celebrated with satisfaction after the pre-match shenanigans - which people seemed to put down to the Cork players.
Handshake that! 😜 Great goal. Keep it up now Kilkenny! #Camogie #OurGameYourGame
— Nicola Brennan (@nnibhraonain) September 11, 2016
Would Cork be able to come back from such a sucker punch? The general opinion seemed to be that it was doubtful as the Cats just kept looking stronger as the game went on.
Long way back now... #Camogie #RebelsAbu #CorkGAA
— David Lane (@mrdavidflane) September 11, 2016
And the Rebelettes' hopes seemed to be completely dashed as Gemma O'Connor was sent off for a second yellow card...despite the protestations of RTE co-commentator Cyril Farrell.
In truth, the rest of the game was somewhat of a procession towards the inevitable (apart from a spectacular goal at the death from Cork's Orla Cotter) - a remarkable performance from the Cats, who did what their male counterparts failed to do and delivered an All-Ireland to the county. All the sweeter, too, that it should come against one of their fiercest rivals.
Final score: Kilkenny 1-13 Cork 1-09
