Kilkenny women extend winning streak with dominant display against Ashbourne
Kilkenny 22 Ashbourne 10
The Kilkenny Women hit the road again on Sunday after a well-deserved weekend off.
Although the sun was shining, a harsh wind made for a cold and challenging game.
Determined to keep their winning streak alive, Kilkenny came out firing and kept Ashbourne pinned deep in their own 22 from the opening whistle.
Despite a yellow card early on, Kilkenny’s defence stood firm against a determined Ashbourne attack.
However, Ashbourne’s flanker eventually spotted a gap and dove over the line for the opening try, giving the hosts a 5–0 lead.
Kilkenny responded in style with a passage of play that can only be described as perfection — a massive clean-out by Alice Brennan, followed by Isla Mosse linking up with Rosa Phelan, who set Eve Cronin free.
As usual, Eve did what she does best, slicing through the defence to put Kilkenny on top, 7-5.
Confidence grew as Kelley Comerford tore down the wing with Cronin in support.
A quick dummy sold the defence, and Comerford crossed to extend the lead to 12-5.
Kilkenny continued to dominate with strong carries and slick offloads, particularly from Tina Wright, feeding quick ball to the backs.
Scrum-half Laura Delaney spotted a gap and sprinted clear to add another try, pushing the score to 17-5.
The remainder of the first half and much of the second saw a competitive battle with both teams trading phases of attack and defence.
Wright once again carried strongly into contact to set up good attacking position, but a knock-on handed possession back to Ashbourne.
Kilkenny’s scrum proved decisive, winning a turnover on Ashbourne’s five-metre line.
Despite Kate O’Neill’s powerful effort being held up just short, Kilkenny weren’t done yet.
With energy still in the tank, they launched a determined team attack, culminating in Caroline Quirke driving over the line for the bonus-point try — 22-5 to Kilkenny.
Ashbourne managed a late consolation try in the dying seconds, bringing the final score to 22-10 in Kilkenny’s favour.
The Kilkenny Women now look ahead to Saturday, 9th November, when they welcome Longford as they hope to keep their impressive winning streak alive.
Kilkenny; Maria Ní Thuama, Jenny Kirwan, Kate Galvin, Isla Mosse, Lorna McMahon, Alice Brennan, Caroline Quirke, Lieke Hoban, Laura Delaney, Megan Callanan, Eve Cronin, Emily Kenny, Kelley Comerford, Rosa Phelan, Rachel Brickell.
Replacements: Genevieve O'Mahony, Tara Holohan, Karen Delaney, Tina Wright, Rosie Miller, Anita St Ledger, Kate O’Neill.
Ashbourne: Alanah Loftus Delaney, Keela Walsh Fagherazzi, Orla Skerrett, Ellie Mahon, Kelly Mahon, Abbie Gibney, Katie Reddington, Eimear Keaveney, Amber Finglas, Grace Mahon, Lauren Redmond, Niamh Hughes, Lena Kibler, Emma Gallagher, Abbie Timmons.
Replacements: Emily Doyle, Lauren Kelly, Siun Douglas, Megan Cullen, Nicole Mitchell, Tylo Connoway, Molly Coulter