Wexford 3-13
Cork 3-6
Wexford made history with a stunning victory over Cork in a brilliant All-Ireland senior camogie final in association with RTÉ Sport at Croke Park.
It was the first time the Model County had claimed a three-in-row at this level, and indeed, the first time they had done it at any grade since the senior footballers garnered four championships on the trot from 1915-18.
And just as was the case last year, Ursula Jacob made the match-winning contribution.
12 months ago, Galway had the champions on the rack when the Oulart-The Ballagh sharpshooter – whose father Mick was Wexford hurling’s first All-Star and brothers Rory and Michael went on to serve the county with distinction – grabbed the sliotar, moved to her left and thundered a shot to the net with seven minutes remaining to bring the sides level.
Showing the leadership you’d expect from the captain, Jacob followed up with two points and Wexford had prevailed.
Jacob plundered 2-7 this year and her goals ultimately blew this game open. They book-ended a crazy two-minute spell that also included a major for Cork from Katrina Mackey.
The first came in the 46th minute, when Michelle O’Leary’s dipping shot was batted into the air by Cork goalkeeper, Aoife Murray. Jacob reacted the quickest to deftly flick the sliotar to the net.
Within 40 seconds, Mackey had responded in kind at the other end, rocketing a shot beyond Mags D’Arcy after showing fantastic pace.
The score of the game was to follow quickly though, as the ball broke on the 13m line and to the right of the posts.
Sensing that she had no time to pick it up, Jacob pulled off the sod, arrowing a shot back into the far corner that Murray had no chance of stopping, despite diving full-length.
That exchange left five points between the sides and Jacob landed two more points – one a sensational effort from tight on the right sideline – to cement the verdict.
Cork more than contributed to what must surely be considered one of the greatest All-Ireland senior finals of the modern era.
They struggled early on mind you, with Katrina Parrock doing most of the damage. The full-forward finished brilliantly for a 14th minute goal and also flashed over two points as the Yellowbellies stormed six points clear.
Cork were given a lifeline though when Catherine O’Loughlin hauled Briege Corkery down in the square and Murray came forward to clinically dispatch the penalty.
The Rebelettes finished the half strongly and a Síle Burns goal, allied to points from Orla Cotter and Jenny O’Leary had the sides level at half time, 1-7 to 2-4.
Wexford settled down after the resumption and though D’Arcy made one excellent save from Corkery, they were two points clear at the end of the first quarter.
Then came Jacob’s heroics and there was no return for Cork.
All Ireland Camogie Finals Photo Album
All Ireland Senior Final First Half Goals
All Ireland Senior Final Second Half Goals
All Ireland Senior Final Interviews
Scorers – Wexford: U Jacob 2-7(0-4fs, 0-2 45s); K Parrock 1-2; F Rochford, K Kelly 0-2 each
Cork: J O’Leary 0-4(3fs, 1 45); A Murray(pen), S Burns, K Mackey 1-0 each; O Cotter, B Corkery 0-1 each
Wexford: M D’Arcy; C O’Connor, C O’Loughlin, K Atkinson; N Lambert, M Leacy, D Codd; L Bolger, K Kelly; M O’Leary, Ú Leacy, J Dwyer; F Rochford, K Parrock, U Jacob. Sub: F Kavanagh for Bolger (47)
Cork: A Murray; R Buckley, J O’Callaghan, J Duffy; E O’Sullivan, G O’Connor, P Mackey; J O’Leary, O Cotter; J Casey, A Geary, C Shine; K Mackey, S Burns, B Corkery. Subs: K Buckley for Burns (56); R Curtin for Casey (56)
Referee: A Lagrue (Kildare)
