Waterford's Ballymacarbry weathered a spirited fightback early in the second half by Dublin champions Portobello to win their 10th All-Ireland title at Birr yesterday.
The junior match which preceded this senior final left ground conditions sticky, but the champions made light of this and strung together some delightful, speedy moves to zip into a 2-9 to 0-3 half-time lead. Geraldine O'Ryan scored Ballymacarbry's first goal after 11 minutes with Annalisa Crotty adding the second on 18 minutes. The Waterford women were finding the target at will with full forward Claire Ryan in excellent form.
Portobello enjoyed their best spell just after the break, scoring four points in eight minutes - two apiece from Marie Brehony and Grainne Gallagher and on 44 minutes Portobello full forward Christina McGinty was foiled of a certain goal by Ballymacarbry goalkeeper Aine Ryan.
The experience of the Waterford team served them well when the pressure did come on - most of the team helped Waterford to an All-Ireland title this season. Portobello, however, were appearing in their first final and struggled to keep up with the early onslaught.
For Ballymacrbry, Cathriona Casey played majestically in midfield and her side regained control by midway through the second half. In the closing stages, Rebecca Hallihan, Ger O'Ryan and Claire Ryan all took points.
Ballymacarbry: A Ryan; P Walsh, S O'Ryan, H Fitpatrick; S Walsh, N Walsh, R Byrne; M O'Ryan 0-1, C Casey 0-2; A Crolly, R Hallihan 0-3, A Crotty 1-1; A Wall 0-2, C Ryan 0-5, G O'Ryan 1-1. Subs: A Fahy for A Crotty.
Portobello: G Ruane; M Garvey, C O'Shea, L Byrne; G O'Meara, T Murphy, V Reilly; F Ruane, G Gallagher 0-3, frees; C Hennessy, M Brennan 0-1, M Barry; M Gallagher, C McGinty 0-2, M Brehony 0-2. Subs: G Tuohy for McGinty; M Goss for Barry; M Deay for Ruane; L Doyle for Murphy; M O'Brien for Bryne.
Referee: J Shannon (Monaghan).
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