Killenaule Edge Ballyporeen After Dramatic Extra-Time Victory in U19D Final

Killenaule were crowned Tipperary LGFA U19D Champions after a thrilling and hard-fought encounter with Ballyporeen that required extra time to separate the sides. After an end-to-end battle, Killenaule finished strongest to claim a 2-17 to 3-12 victory.

First Half

Ballyporeen burst out of the blocks, opening the scoring inside the first minute. Killenaule soon settled, with points from Emily Ivers, Caoimhe Cleere, and Torrie Doyle, before Emily Fanning struck a well-taken goal on 11 minutes.

Ballyporeen responded immediately through Aoibhe Maher, who found the net and added a point to level momentum. They pushed on strongly in the closing stages of the half, with Isabella McLoughlin and Orna O’Donoghue both raising green flags. Another point from Maher sent Ballyporeen into the interval with a 3-5 to 1-5 lead.

Second Half

Killenaule returned with renewed purpose, and points from Doyle, Ivers, and Fanning began narrowing the gap. Ballyporeen continued to rely on the excellent Aoibhe Maher, who added further scores, but Killenaule refused to yield.

Doyle was central to the comeback, kicking multiple points, before Maisie Walsh delivered the crucial moment: a 31st-minute goal that brought Killenaule level. The second half ended with the sides deadlocked at Killenaule 2-12 (18), Ballyporeen 3-9 (18), sending the final to extra time.

Extra Time – First Period

Killenaule struck early with a point, but Ballyporeen edged back in front thanks to scores from Maher and Shelly Ryan. Fanning responded with a point of her own, but Ballyporeen held a narrow advantage at the midpoint of extra time, leading 3-12 to 2-14.

Extra Time – Second Period

With everything on the line, Killenaule produced their finest spell of football. Abbi Browne opened the scoring after the restart, and although a couple of wides followed, Killenaule kept pressing. Torrie Doyle added another vital point, and Lucy McGrath pushed them ahead with a composed finish.

Killenaule’s defence held firm in the dying minutes, shutting down Ballyporeen’s final advances. At the whistle, Killenaule had secured a memorable and hard-earned win:
Killenaule 2-17 (23), Ballyporeen 3-12 (21).

Standout Performers

• Torrie Doyle – superb throughout, leading the second-half comeback.

• Emily Fanning – contributed 1–4 and worked tirelessly.

• Aoibhe Maher (Ballyporeen) – a standout for her side with a goal and several points.

• Maisie Walsh – delivered the equalising goal that forced extra time.