Dublin Senior Camogie Team Led Out by Mascots for Championship Tie Against Kilkenny

Parnell Park welcomed Dublin Camogie's first ever Mascots Fiadh Flaherty of Na Fianna and Leia Keenan Feary of St Pats Palmerstown on Saturday June 7th ahead of the Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship Group 2 fixture between Dublin and Kilkenny. The Mascots were firstly met by Dublin Camogie Chairman Karl O'Brien who gifted the girls some top of the range Dublin Camogie gear. Both Mascots had a special moment with senior Captain Niamh Gannon, before heading out hand in hand to lead the Dublin team onto the pitch.

As the warm up began, our Mascots met Senior Manager Gerry McQuiad who ensured the girls left with a top quality sliotar in their pockets. Whilst in awe of the senior team warming up, Dublin senior player Aisling Maher greeted Fiadh and Leia, engaging them in a fun, quick-fire interview where they excitedly shared their favourite players and match score predictions. It was then time for our Mascots to accompany Captain Gannon to the centre of the pitch for the toss alongside Kilkenny Captain Katie Power. After their duties had been complete, our Mascots and their families were then accompanied to the stands of Parnell Park to sit and watch the magic unfold between Dublin and Kilkenny.

This was Kilkenny's third visit to the Capital this year against Dublin, and unfortunately another victory with Saturdays match being their first win in this season's All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship. Impressive opening scores from Dublin's Gaby Couch and Aisling Gannon were quickly matched by Kilkenny who wasted no time in firing back with scores from Aoife Prendergast, Sophie Holden and Mary O'Connell. A goal from Kilkenny's Aoife Prendergast in the 18th minute fuelled Kilkenny's momentum to continue their lead until the half time whistle. Dublin's Aoife McKerney cleared the ball between the posts just before half time closing the gap to Kilkenny 1-11, Dublin 0-6.

Seamlessly linked play between Niamh Gannon and Aisling O'Neil buried the sliotar into the back of the Kilkenny net 2 minutes into the second half with no tackle strong enough to break O'Neil in her stride towards goal with an immaculate finish, a goal described by Niall Scully as

"A picture goal. Good enough to hang on the walls of the National Gallery"

Kilkenny's response saw no hesitation with scores immediately gathered from Steffi Fitzgerald and Aoife Prendergast. Kilkenny goalkeeper Aoife Norris pulled off a stunning save to deny Kerrie Finnegan’s powerful strike on goal. Dublin's relentless effort and tireless work rate were undeniable, culminating in well-earned scores from O’Neill, Wylde, and Rafter that narrowed the gap to just four points. Abby Ryan, Hannah Leddy, and Christine Shanahan delivered standout defensive performances, consistently anchoring the back line throughout the match. Kilkenny maintained their advantage right through to the final whistle with a late score from Katie Power in the 62nd minute, denying Dublin a late comeback. A loss for the girls in blue but a brilliant exhibition of relentless work rate, skill and determination. This result means Dublin will need a win in Waterford on Saturday June 21st.

Full time score Dublin 1-14, Kilkenny 1-19.