Abbott Intermediate Camogie County Final
Emeralds 3-11; Mooncoin 0-11
John Power at UPMC Nowlan Park
Three second-half goals proved decisive as Emeralds were crowned Abbott Intermediate Camogie County Champions following a nine-point victory over Mooncoin at UPMC Nowlan Park.
On a splendid sunny afternoon at Kilkenny GAA headquarters, Emeralds showed the determination, composure and attacking quality required to win on the biggest day of the season. Having led by just a single point at half-time, they raised their game considerably in the second period, with three goals in a devastating ten-minute spell ultimately deciding the destination of the silverware.
For Emeralds captain Anne Dalton and vice-captain Davina Tobin, it was a particularly satisfying afternoon. Both played important roles in guiding their side to victory, with Dalton delivering an outstanding scoring performance and providing valuable leadership to a team that combined experience with youthful enthusiasm.
For Mooncoin, however, it was another painful chapter in their recent history in the intermediate final. Saturday’s defeat was their fourth consecutive loss in a county final, following previous disappointments against Rower Inistioge in 2023, O’Loughlin Gaels in 2024 and Danesfort in 2025.
The opening half was a tight, low-scoring affair, with both teams battling hard for possession and space. Defences were generally on top, and clear scoring opportunities were limited as the sides attempted to establish control. Emeralds settled particularly well, with former county star Anne Dalton proving a reliable source of scores. By the time Mooncoin opened their account in the 15th minute through a Sarah Crowley free, Emeralds had already registered three points, all coming from Dalton frees. The experienced attacker continued to punish Mooncoin’s indiscretions, adding two further points by the 18th minute to leave her side comfortably positioned at 0-5 to 0-1.
Mooncoin gradually began to find their rhythm, with Niamh and Sarah Crowley working hard to win possession and bring their teammates into the game. Their efforts helped reduce the deficit before the interval, leaving Emeralds with a narrow advantage despite having controlled much of the opening exchanges.
Dalton accounted for all six of the winners’ first-half scores. However, Mooncoin remained very much in contention and could have been closer had they taken advantage of a couple of promising goal opportunities. Half-time: Emeralds 0-6 Mooncoin 0-5.
Mooncoin made an encouraging start to the second period, with Sarah Crowley pointing from play to draw the teams level. The prospect of another closely fought finish was alive, but Emeralds responded immediately. Emma Dunphy produced a fine individual effort in the 35th minute, bursting strongly through the centre before sending the ball between the posts to restore the Urlingford side’s lead. That score proved to be the beginning of a remarkable spell for Emeralds, who suddenly began turning their attacking possession into goals.
In the 36th minute, Mooncoin surrendered possession in a dangerous area, allowing Lucy Kavanagh to seize the opportunity. She unleashed a powerful shot that flew into the back of the net, giving Emeralds a significant advantage. Mooncoin responded positively to the setback, refusing to allow their opponents to run away with the contest. Sarah Crowley and Emily Cooney both found the target with well-taken points, reducing the deficit to 1-7 to 0-8 and keeping their side within reach. However, Emeralds were now playing with growing confidence, and their direct attacking approach continued to cause problems.
Louise Hickey struck a crucial second goal in the 44th minute, increasing the pressure on Mooncoin. Before their opponents had time to recover, Emeralds delivered another decisive blow. Just two minutes later, Lucy Kavanagh sent a ball towards the Mooncoin goal, where Roisin Gibbons reacted superbly to gather possession and finish emphatically to the net. Three goals in ten minutes had transformed the final. Emeralds now led by 3-7 to 0-8, leaving Mooncoin with a formidable challenge to get back into the game.
To their credit, Mooncoin continued to battle, working hard to create openings and adding points in an effort to halt the Emeralds momentum. Sarah Crowley registered another score, but the Urlingford side remained firmly in control. With the game moving into its closing stages, Emeralds demonstrated that their attacking threat extended beyond their goal scorers. Louise Hickey added two points, while Leyla Ahearne and Anne Dalton also found the target in a four-point unanswered sequence that stretched the advantage to eight points.
At 3-11 to 0-9 in the 57th minute, the destination of the championship was effectively settled. Mooncoin continued to show admirable spirit, with Keelin Hennebrey adding a point before Sarah Crowley converted a late free. Those scores brought the final tally to 3-11 to 0-11, confirming a deserved nine-point victory for Emeralds.
The celebrations reflected the importance of the achievement for the Urlingford club. They had delivered when it mattered most, producing a powerful second-half performance that showcased their scoring ability, work rate and collective determination. Captain Anne Dalton was central to the success, combining accurate free-taking with the leadership expected of an experienced player. The contributions of Lucy Kavanagh, Louise Hickey and Roisin Gibbons in front of goal proved equally significant.
Emeralds now have the opportunity to test themselves at senior level in 2027. Their performance at Nowlan Park suggested they possess the ability and confidence to compete in the higher grade, although the step up will bring fresh challenges.
For Mooncoin, the disappointment of another final defeat will take time to overcome. Nevertheless, they showed enough throughout the afternoon to suggest they will remain competitive when the 2027 campaign begins.
For now, however, the day belonged to Emeralds, whose clinical finishing and commanding second-half display brought the Abbott Intermediate Championship title back to Urlingford in memorable fashion.
SCORERS
EMERALDS: Anne Dalton (0-6, 0-4 frees), Lucy Kavanagh (1-2), Louise Higgins (1-0), Roisin Gibbons (1-0), Emma Dunphy, Louise Hickey, Leyla Ahearne (0-1 each).
MOONCOIN; Sarah Crowley (0-7, 0-4 frees), Aine Aylward, Niamh Crowley, Emily Cooney, Keelin Hennebrey (0-1 each).
TEAMS
EMERALDS: Siobhan O’Hara, Alanna Russell, Niamh Leahy, Saoirse Bourke, Eimear Leahy, Davina Tobin, Ruth Ryan, Emily Kavanagh, Emma Dunphy, Aoibhe Bourke, Anne Dalton (captain), Emma Kenny, Louise Hickey, Lucy Kavanagh, Roisin Ahern. Substitutes: -Leyla Ahearne for Emma Kenny.
MOONCOIN: Ellen Crowley, Marianne Walsh, Mairead Corcoran, Emily Crowley, Eimear Quilty, Muireann Gannon, Molly Quinn, Eve Dunphy, Hannah Cooney, Sarah Crowley, Lauren Comerford, Niamh Crowley) (captain), Aine Aylward, Emily Cooney, Roisin Crowley. Substitutes: Ella Brennan for Marianne Walsh, Eimear Fleming for Emily Crowley, Sorcha Kinsella for Roisin Crowley, Laura D Dunphy for Aine Aylward,
Referee: Eoin Hayes.
