All-Ireland champions Cork retained their Suzuki Ladies NFL crown with a comprehensive 6-13 to 2-10 win over neighbours Kerry at Cusack Park, Ennis. The Rebelettes led from pillar to post after Valerie Mulcahy put them on their way with an early goal which helped hoist them into a 1-3 to 0-0 lead after just 12 minutes. Deirdre O'Reilly and Amy O'Shea added further goals as Kerry continued to reel on the ropes as they saw the deficit increase to 0-1 to 3-4 by the 19th minute. Kerry rolled up their sleeves and goals from Louise Ni Mhuircheartaigh and sub Aoife O'Sullivan hauled them back within striking distance, 2-1 to 3-4, of their opponents. However Kerry's faint hopes of getting on level terms were soon dashed by Cork's fourth goal, scored by Laura McMahon which helped the winners-elect ease their way to a 4-5 to 2-3 interval lead. Amy O'Shea went onto score a second goal and Cork's fifth before Rhona Buckley completed Cork's haul of majors with a splendid sixth midway through the second half which left Kerry facing into a 2-8 to 6-7 deficit. Kerry kept battling away to the end but, predictably, they continued to be outgunned right to the bitter end by the defending champions. Tweet

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