Loreto Kilkenny delight as they beat city rivals in Leinster final

Loreto Kilkenny maintained their provincial dominance with an impressive seven point defeat of city rivals Presentation Kilkenny (1-10 to 0-6) in the Leinster PPS A Camogie Final on Saturday afternoon in John Locke Park.

Spearheaded on the scoreboard by Emma Hogan (0-7, 0-4f), the defending Leinster and All-Ireland champions withstood a tight and low scoring opening period to eventually blossom and hold the advantage to the finish.

A hard-working Presentation team were frustrated by a sturdy Loreto defence and were restricted to just one first half point from play with their potent forward line, which included three of last year's Kilkenny minor team, unable to cause damage (Loreto 0-7 Presentation 0-2 at half-time).

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However, Presentation who are the provincial champions at the junior grade never let Loreto build an unassailable lead with Amy O'Shea on placed balls (0-3f) along with Sadhbh Shefflin and Niamh Davis (0-1 each) keeping the city school in touch.

However, the champions' experience shun through with an early 2nd half goal from Lucy Boyd (1-2) the defining moment of the contest.

Centre-forward Shauna Mahony was the stand out player throughout with her hard work and distribution of the ball opening up countless opportunities with the Doheny twins (Shannon and Eleanor) equally as effective in midfield.

Loreto, who have won this competition every year since 2020, now advance to an All-Ireland final semi-final where they will face the Connacht champions later this month.

A full match report from Aoife Lanigan and reaction to follow...

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