Goals in either half from Niamh Ní Chonchúir and Siofra O'Shea gave All Ireland champions Kerry a hard earned 2-6 to 0-9 win over Waterford at a windswept SETU Arena in Division 1 of the Lidl National Football League.
These Munster rivals were level on four occasions before O'Shea's punched effort ten minutes into the second half put the Kingdom clear. Captain Anna Galvin came up with two massive points. Two goal saving blocks from sub Mary O'Connell just before the break also proved crucial. Waterford captain Emma Murray drove her team forward all evening and struck two points from play.
Sixteen year old Gemma Corcoran made her debut between the sticks for the home side. The first Ballysaggart player to line out for the Waterford seniors. She produced two fantastic second half saves. Kerry took the field with eight of the team that defeated Galway in the All Ireland final last August.
Bríd McMaugh struck the opening point for the Déise after just 25 seconds.After pressure on the Kerry kickout, McMaugh set up Clare Walsh for another white flag.
In the sixth minute, a point attempt from Niamh Ní Chonchúir dropped into the corner of the Déise net (1-0 to 0-2). The hosts replied immediately. A super solo run from Katie Murray resulted in a free which Lauren McGregor tapped over. The home team kept hold of possession against the elements and a Kellyann Hogan free edged them back in front.
Kerry midfielder Anna Galvin levelled matters on the quarter hour.
Emma Murray and Siofra O'Shea (free) traded points before Hogan's second dead ball sent the Déise 0-6 to 1-2 ahead at the half time hooter. Two brilliant blocks from Kerry sub Mary O'Connell denied Waterford a goal just before the break.
The Kingdom made a triple substitution during the interval. One of those new arrivals Danielle O'Leary kicked them into the lead four minutes into the second period after Rachel Dwyer got the leveller. Kerry netminder Mary Ellen Bolger palmed away a point attempt from Bríd McMaugh.
On 40 minutes, Siofra O'Shea bravely punched the ball to the net just ahead of advancing Déise goalkeeper Gemma Corcoran. (2-4 to 0-6). Ciara McCarthy added a point.
Emma Murray, Lauren McGregor and McMaugh reduced the deficit to two. Debutant shot stopper Corcoran made two stunning saves from Danielle O'Leary to keep her team in the contest. A late Anna Galvin point sealed victory for the Brendan Martin holders.
