Ballymacarbry retained the Michael Ryan Cup with a 2-13 to 1-9 win over Banner Ladies in Mallow on Sunday evening.
Player of the Match Bríd McMaugh struck seven points from play as Mike Guiry's charges secured back to back Munster titles.
The Waterford attacker has been a star performer throughout this provincial campaign with 2-14 in three games (all from play). "She's a powerhouse," captain Aileen Wall remarked afterwards. "She can do it all. She can solo, she can get past people, she can shoot, she can defend."
Tipperary shot stopper Lauren Fitzpatrick was another key figure for Ballymac with three stunning second half saves. "Tipp are really lucky to have her, as are we!"
Full forward Clare Walsh netted two goals in five second half minutes while Kellyann Hogan scored four points. Maeve Ryan, Gretta Nugent and Michelle McGrath stood out in defence.
Four McMaugh points gave the 42 in a row Waterford champions a 7-4 advantage at the break. She had three to her name by the eleventh minute. Kellyann Hogan kicked two and Aileen Wall also raised a white flag as Ballymac took advantage of the strong breeze. Grainne Nolan nailed three frees for Banner Ladies.
Summer Peters extended the Ballymac lead to four a minute into the second period. Clare dual star Niamh O'Dea slotted her first point of the day. White flags from Hogan and McMaugh gave the holders a five point gap with 40 minutes on the clock.
Ballymac number one Lauren Fitzpatrick then saved a close range blast from Banner substitute Grainne Burke. With ten minutes left, a Clare Walsh shot looped into the roof of the Banner net. At the opposite end, Fitzpatrick made a spectacular diving save to deny O'Dea. She was called into action again to flick away a Grainne Nolan effort.
On 55 minutes, Ballymac substitute Aoife Barron supplied Walsh for her second goal (2-11 to 0-7). Grainne Burke scrambled home a three pointer for Banner but McMaugh replied instantly with her seventh single. Sixteen Munster championships for the girls in blue.
