Kildare crowned All-Ireland Intermediate Champions with dramatic win over Clare

Ellen Dowling celebrates after scoring her side's second goal during the 2023 TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Intermediate Football Championship Final match between Clare and Kildare, Photo by Seb Daly

placeholder image — Ellen Dowling celebrates after scoring her side's second goal during the 2023 TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Intermediate Football Championship Final match between Clare and Kildare, Photo by Seb Daly

Kildare are TG4 All-Ireland Intermediate Champions after beating Clare 2-11 to 2-10 in Croke Park. After The Lilies dominating for most of the game, Clare got two goals in the last 10 minutes to set up a grandstand finish. But Kildare would hold on to secure their Championship win.

Goals from Suncroft pair Trina Duggan and Ellen Dowling were added to an exemplary defensive Kildare display for large portions of this final.

Kildare, Róisín Byrne 0-7 (0-5 frees), Ellen Dowling 1-1, Trina Duggan 1-0, Neasa Dooley 0-2, Lara Gilbert 0-1.

Clare, Fidelma Marrinan 1-5 (0-4 frees), Chloe Moloney 1-3 (0-3 frees), Clíodhna Blake 0-2.

KILDARE: Mary Hulgraine; Lauren Burke, Laoise Lenehan, Aoife Clifford; Lara Gilbert, Ruth Sargent, Lauren Murtagh; Grace Clifford, Aoife Rattigan; Trina Duggan, Neasa Dooley, Claire Sullivan; Ellen Dowling, Róisín Byrne, Lara Curran.

Subs: Gráinne Kenneally for Trina Duggan (42 minutes), Mia Doherty for Aoife Rattigan (46 minutes), Fiona Troute for Lauren Burke (46 minutes), Orlaith Sullivan for Lara Curran (52 minutes),

CLARE: Amy Lenihan; Áine Keane, Síofra Ní Chonai, Grainne Harvey; Louise Griffin, Caoimhe Harvey, Orla Devitt; Aisling Reidy, Chloe Moloney; Laurie Ryan, Fidelma Marrinan, Amy Sexton; Laura Griffey, Clíodhna Blake, Caoimhe Cahill.

Subs: Megan Downes for Louise Griffin (12 minutes), Ciara McCarthy for Laura Griffey (38 minutes), Róisín Looney for Caoimhe Cahill (44 minutes), Joanna Doohan for Orla Devitt (57 minutes),