Kilkenny had five points to spare over Offaly in the Leinster Senior Camogie Final at Nowlan Park.

Kilkenny 2-11 Offaly 1-9

The extra defender is no stranger to camogie as both sides played with sweepers in this tight battle for the entire first half.

Offaly got off to a dream start with Orlagh Kirwan in for the injured Michaela Morkan pointing after 58 seconds and quickly followed by a great Niamh Larkin goal. Offaly managed by former hurling star Barry Whelehan battled furiously but a brace of goals from Denise Gaule - the first from a penalty midway through the half proved decisive.

Kilkenny established a 2-3 to 1-1 lead going into the closing 10 minutes of the half and although the superb Siobhan Flannery knocked over three monster frees, the inability of Offaly to score from play proved their undoing.

They failed to score from play from the 3rd minute to the finish but their spirit and defending was superb.

Both sides reverted to normal formations for the second half. Kilkenny while under severe pressure throughout always had that little edge with the class of Michelle Quilty, Katie Power and Ann Dalton securing vital points when needed most.

Marian Crean, Jean Brady, Eleanor Clendennan (in goals) were to the fore for the Offaly rearguard and Siobhan Flannery nailed 5 second half placed balls but they needed a better return than a point from two second half penalties.

Kilkenny's defence were superb particularly Edwina Keane at full-back, Catherine Foley and Colette Dormer.  The score of the day came from a tremendous catch by Edwina Keane in the 54th minute.  Her clearance found Denise Gaule whose well placed delivery found Michelle Quilty whose touch was sweet just like the score.

Kilkenny: Emma Kavanagh, Stacey Quirke, Edwina Keane, Catherine Foley, Jacqui Frisby, Collette Dormer, Davina Tobin, Aisling Dunphy, Claire Phelan, Michelle Quilty, Miriam Walsh, Ann Dalton, Aoife Neary, Denise Gaule, Katie Power. Subs used: Anna Farrell, Edel Maher

Offaly: Eleanor Clendennen, Fiona Stephens, Jean Brady, Linda Sullivan, Aisling Brennan, Michaela Morkan, Marian Crean, Roisin Egan, Arlene Watkins, Cailin Fitzgerald, Aoife Kelly, Siobhan Flannery, Niamh Larkin, Rachel Brennan, Tina Hannon. Subs used: Patrice Delaney, Helen Dolan, Mairead Jennings

Referee Ray Kelly

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