Twenty years have elapsed since Kilkenny won the All-Ireland senior championship. On the way to winning the 1994 title, the Cats received more than a fright from Clare at Ballyragget. Kilkenny were the pre-match favourites and expected to win comfortably.  But it did not work out like that. Clare put it up to Kilkenny and only a puck of a ball separated the sides at the finish.

 

Kilkenny had many multi-talented players in action on that occasion including the legendary Downey twins, Angela and Ann, Sinéad Millea, Brigid Mullally, Marina Downey, Gillian Dillon and Deirdre Malone. Between them, they could fill a drawer with All-Ireland medals.The Clare profile was not so impressive.The team representing the Banner County was based on the side that won the 1993 All-Ireland intermediate championship.

 

Clare approached the challenge with spirit and determination. Kilkenny set a good pace from the start. A goal from a free by Ann Downey and a sprinkling of points had Kilkenny motoring and ahead at the break.Two goals early in the second half by Patricia Maloney brought Clare into contention. Brigid Mullally (Kilkenny) and Catherine O’Loughlin (Clare) swapped goals as the tempo of the game increased.Kilkenny had to call on their vast experience to hold off the Clare onslaught. The final whistle blew with Kilkenny in front by 2-16 to 3-10.

 

Teams – Kilkenny: Michelle Fennelly, Sinéad Costello, Tracey Millea, Gillian Dillon, Deirdre Malone, Marina Downey, Ann Downey (Capt), Marie Maher, Brigid Mullally, Catherine Dunne, Angela Downey and Sinéad Millea.

 

Clare: Aine McCormack, Tina O’Connell, Marie Collins, Debbie McDonagh, Marian Costello, Sinéad O’Brien, Sylvia O’Brien, Frances Phelan, Moira McMahon, Noelle Comyns and Catherine O’Loughlin.

 

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