Armagh and Kerry both make it three in a row by the narrowest of margins

TG4 provincial championships round-up

Compiled by John Fallon

Kerry manager Mark Bourke said they are heading into the TG4 All-Ireland series in a good position after holding off Waterford to capture the Munster SFC crown for the third year in a row.

They did enough to pip Waterford by 2-9 to 1-11 in Kilmallock to hold on to their crown.

“I think we’re getting closer to coming up to the tempo and the pace and the style of play of different teams that we’re going to meet from now on and we’re going to try and react accordingly,” said Bourke.

“This was going to be a massive titanic battle, physically, mentally and tactically and I’m just delighted that we got a point win at the end of 65 minutes.

“The game plan was there to be followed and in fairness, everyone followed it and maybe it wasn’t as perfect as it should have been but it was decent and I’m delighted.”

But Kerry had to be thankful to the brilliance of goalkeeper Mary Ellen Bolger who saved from point black at the death to deny Laura Cusack what surely would have been the winning goal.

The sides were level at 2-5 to 1-8 at the break with Leah  McMahon and Emma Costello getting the goals for Kerry and Katie Murray responding for Waterford.

Armagh also made it three Ulster titles in a row when they held off Tyrone, also by the narrowest of margins, with a 2-13 to 1-15 win in Owenbeg.

Armagh led by 1-9 to 1-8 at the break with Aoife McCoy finding the yet before Slaine McCarroll responded for Tyrone.

There was little between the sides in the second half but Caoimhe McNally’s goal was decisive as Armagh held on to their crown.

“It’s unbelievable,” said Armagh manager Gregory McGonigle. “Any time you beat a Tyrone team it’s a brilliant day.”

Corner back Cait Towe was equally satisfied with the win. “We were slow to start but finished strong. Our hard work throughout the sixty minutes paid off.”

Meanwhile, Clare won the Munster SFC B crown with a 4-13 to 2-8 win over Cork.

Results:

TG4 Ulster Senior Championship Final

Armagh 2-13 Tyrone 1-15

TG4 Munster Senior Championship Final

Kerry 2-9 Waterford 1-11

TG4 Munster Senior B Championship Final

Clare 4-13 Cork 2-8

All Ireland U20 Championship

Meath 2-15 Mayo 2-3

Galway 3-4 Cork 1-7