The 2022 Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship is in the record books and Kilkenny are champions for a 15th time.
Denise Gaule kept her nerve to split the posts and deliver their second title in three years. It finished Kilkenny 1-13 Cork 1-12.
IT'S ALL OVER AND KILKENNY ARE CHAMPIONS!!!
2022 Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship Final score@KilkennyCamogie: 1-13 (16)@CorkCamogie: 1-12 (15)@OfficialCamogie
#gotogether pic.twitter.com/GACXN8DWBg
— Beat 102 103 (@beat102103) August 7, 2022
For 19 minutes it appeared as though Kilkenny were going to have an easy day - registering 6 points without reply.
A goal in the 20th minute, from Cork forward Fiona Keating, inspired the Munster side to take matters by the scruff of the neck and set an altogether different tone in the capital.
The half somehow finished all square as Kilkenny remained scoreless from the 21st minute. The tie appeared to be going in a similar manner as Cork's semi-final victory against Waterford.
The restart saw much of the same, with Kilkenny on the back foot for many of the opening contests.
In a game with such fine margins, scores went back and forth, with Kilkenny hanging on and always staying within a couple of scores.
Cork had a couple of strong goal opportunities spurned and could have extended their lead. Despite the opportunities, Sophie O'Dwyer hit a 58th minute goal to give Kilkenny the lead.
Sophie O'Dwyer with a late, late goal for Kilkenny. They lead after trailing for much of this half.
Conclusion coming up live now on @rte2, #sundaygame at 9.30pmhttps://t.co/eBULqhZOji pic.twitter.com/nSiUnS0Rt2
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) August 7, 2022
Within the 3rd minute of 4 added, Gaule added a point from a free and saw Kilkenny claim victory by a solitary score.
It was a tremendous effort from Brian Dowling's side and his players left everything on the pitch. Despite the Cork onslaught, there was a dogged determination from the entire group.
This was epitomized by captain Aoife Prendergast, who had lost her place in the side, as she emerged from the bench to drive her teammates forward.
Kilkenny captain Aoife Prendergast lifts the O'Duffy Cup after they pipped Cork in a dramatic decider in Croke Park #rtegaa pic.twitter.com/pwEwfiYBid
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) August 7, 2022
On a day when a hero was needed, this very much came in the shape of Katie Nolan. The forward hit 0-5 in the game and was ever-present in the dying minutes.
A tremendous result for Kilkenny Camogie and another fascinating chapter in their great rivalry with Cork.
Speaking after the game to Beat Sport, Kilkenny boss Brian Dowling had a clear message for the people of Kilkenny.
"We said it all year, the message was that we wanted to win this for the Kilkenny people," he said.
"Our Families and friends didn't get to celebrate in 2020 with us.
"They were there in 17' when we lost, they were there in 18' and 19' when we lost.
"Our mission was to win an All-Ireland in front of the Kilkenny people and we're just so happy to bring the O'Duffy cup home."
