Johnstownbridge (Kildare) 2-17. Kilmessan (Meath) 1-11

Seven minutes from the end of normal time, two fine points by the excellent Katie Ní Choileáin and Frances Lynch had reduced the Kildare champions lead to a precarious two points.  The Leinster and All-Ireland champions were making a huge effort to retain their titles but showing no ill-effects from playing their third game in seven days, Johnstownbridge finished the stronger with 2-1 inside five minutes to claim the title.

A beautiful Autumn day, a superb pitch at Rathmolyon and a great crowd enjoyed a feast of camogie with 31 scores and it all started 32 seconds into the game when Kelly Gorman scored the first of three fine first half points from the corner forward.

The champions had the better of the opening 10 minutes and when Megan Thynne flicked the ball off her stick for a great goal in the 3rd minute, Kilmessan were looking strong.  Louise Codd who put in a great shift at midfield for Johnstown' opened their account in the 2nd minute and when Roisin O'Connell added a second just a goal divided the teams.

But with Kilmessan slightly dominant at midfield, they managed to capitalise with some great points from Megan Thynne, Aileen Donnelly and Nadine Doyle to lead by 1-4 to 0-2 after 14 minutes.  It could have been more only for a fine save by Tanya Johnson in the 'Bridge goal.

However from the 15th minute on Kildare senior star and All-Ireland medalist Siobhan Hurley began to exert her influence - an impact that would see her earn Player of the Match and finish with a tally of 0-8.

Her strength, ability and leadership turned the game in her side's favour.  From placed balls and play Siobhan played a pivotal part in the closing 15 minutes before the break when Johnstownbridge outscored Kilmessan by 0-4 to 0-1.  Louise Codd, two from Siobhan Hurley and one from the excellent Roisin O'Connell.  Kelly Gorman did temporarily stop the rot with her third fine point for Kilmessan to help her side to a 1-6 to 0-8 interval lead.

The Johnstownbridge momentum didn't stop at the break and within 22 seconds of the restart Ciara Mooney was on the scoresheet.  Boosted by this score, the Kildare girls went on a scoring spree for the next five minutes thanks to Siobhan Hurley who hammered home three great points from play and from distance.

But Kilmessan have a history of success and that breeds self belief and two excellent points by Aileen Donnelly raised their spirits.  But Siobhan Hurley helped limit this damage when she provided the pass to Roisin O'Connell for a great score.

The game ebbed and flowed with great purpose with Eimear Hurley and Aoife Trant prominent in defence for Johnstownbridge and Stephanie Horan and Ailbhe Lynch catching the eye for Kilmessan.

A fine Katie Ní Choileáin score left just a single point between the sides but as danger threatened Siobhan Hurley hit back once more with a pointed free.   That was the signal for another great spell for the Kildare side as Aoife Trant and Siobhan Hurley brought their side's tally to 0-16.

But just when it looked like Johnstownbridge might be pushing for home, the champions clung desperately to their crown and two great points by Katie Ní Choileáin and Frances Lynch had them right back in the match.  However Johnstownbridge's had enormous desire and their ability to respond was impressive.  First a superb first touch by Clodagh Flanagan in her own half recovered possession.  Her raking clearance was brought down by Anne-Marie Dennehy in the Kilmessan goal but under fierce pressure her clearance fell to Ashling Holton who goaled.

The supporters' cheering had barely died down when second half substitute Shona Beatty made it a day to remember for the Kildare club when she hammered the final nail in the coffin in the 57th minute for a deserved win.

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