Gaultier 0-16

Kilmurray Ibricken 2-05

If Gaultier’s historic appearance in the Waterford Senior Ladies Football County Final against the stalwart Ballymacarbry was not achievement enough, the club has now taken another remarkable step forward, securing a place in the Munster Senior Club Championship Final with victory over Clare champions Kilmurry-Ibrickane.

For a club established just over a decade ago in 2014, reaching a Munster final represents a significant milestone in the development of this young and ambitious side. With a place in the provincial decider at stake, a large home crowd gathered to witness what promised to be a competitive semi-final, greeted by a fresh, dry breeze in and no sign of the storms that had threatened earlier in the week.

Referee Conor McCarthy got proceedings underway following the customary captain’s formalities with Gaultier’s Molly Comerford and Kilmurry-Ibrickane’s Amy Sexton.

The contest began at a lively pace, with both sides registering a point each inside the opening five minutes. Emma Fitzgerald, wearing number 17 for Gaultier kicked an excellent two-point free, before captain Molly Comerford added to the home side’s tally with another point.

Gaultier soon began to establish control, combining disciplined defending with effective attacking play. Kilmurry-Ibrickane struggled to find a response, and by half-time the West Clare side had not managed to add to their opening point, leaving Gaultier with a commanding seven-point advantage.

The home side continued where they had left off after the restart, adding further scores within the opening ten minutes of the second half and strengthening their grip on the contest.

However, the change of ends brought a stronger breeze into play, offering Kilmurry-Ibrickane an opportunity to mount a comeback. The Clare side finally found their championship rhythm, as an exchange of play registered three points as they attempted to close the gap and a calm 

Gaultier response also added four further points to maintain a comfortable cushion. With the outcome appearing increasingly certain, the home crowd could begin to contemplate a place in the Munster final.

Yet the contest was far from over. The strengthening wind made kick-outs increasingly challenging for Gaultier, and Kilmurry-Ibrickane capitalised on two intercepted deliveries, finding the net on both occasions to score two goals in quick succession. Suddenly, the Clare side had renewed hope, injecting fresh tension into the closing stages.

Sin-binnings for both sides further complicated matters, with each team reduced to 14 players for periods of the game. Nevertheless, Gaultier held their nerve through the closing exchanges to secure a memorable victory.

The final whistle confirmed a 0-16 to 2-5 (11) victory for Gaultier, sending the home crowd into celebration as the club booked its place in the 2026 AIB Munster Senior Club Championship Final.

The reward for this determined performance is a provincial final meeting with Cork champions Aghada, who defeated Kerry side Southern Gaels earlier in the day. The 2026 AIB Munster Senior Championship final will now be contested by Cork’s Aghada and Waterfords Gaultier, the decider is expected to take place in approximately two weeks’ time, around 8 November, with the date, venue and throw-in time yet to be confirmed. Aghada defeated reigning champions Southern Gaels in a high scoring encounter. Mary Leahy hit the net twice for the Cork champions while Clare Walsh, Abigail Ring and captain Roisin Phelan also converted. Southern Gaels battled hard with Siofra O’Shea, Rachel Dwyer and Aoife Dwyer all converting to the net, but Aghada were not to be denied.

For Gaultier, this is more than a victory in a semi-final. It is another landmark moment for a club that continues to exceed expectations, demonstrating the progress, commitment and ambition that have brought them to the brink of provincial glory.

With a Munster title now within reach, Gaultier can look forward to the biggest occasion in the club’s short history — and the opportunity to continue writing a remarkable story.

Gaultier: 1. Grace Geraghty, 2. Martha De Poar, 3. Shauna Fitzgerald, 4. Aoife O’Brien, 5. Alannah O’Sullivan, 6. Clodagh Carroll, 7. Erin Butler, 8. Eimear Campbell, 9. Aoife Power, 10. Ali Ferguson, 11. Maeve Sheridan, 12. Annie Fitzgerald, 13. Molly Comerford (Captain), 14. Roisín Kirwan, 15. Katie Desmond. Substitutes: 16. Ada Keevans, 17. Emma Fitzgerald, 18. Caoimhe Flynn, 19. Faye Murphy, 20. Catriona Cahill, 21. Áine Desmond, 22. Elaina Coady, 23. Ciara O’Sullivan, 24. Eada Hartley, 25. Vickie O’Sullivan, 26. Holly O’Sullivan, 27. Kate Lynch, 28. Sarah Maher, 29. Maria Brennan, 30. Aoife Murphy. Backroom team: Bainisteoir Paul Fitzgerald; mentors Shay Keevans, Thomas Dunphy, Aoife Fitzgerald and Emma Flynn; FLO Maria Riches; physio/doctor John Butler. 

Scorers for Gaultier:

Emma Fitzgerald 0-7

Annie Fitzgerald 0-3

Clodagh Carroll 0-2

Molly Comerford 0-1

Aoife Power 0-1

Roisin Kirwan 0-1

Alannah O Sullivan 0-1

Kilmurry-Ibrickane: 1. Rebecca Sexton, 2. Rachel Tubridy, 3. Rebecca Doohan, 4. Aoife Martin, 5. Keela Markham, 6. Joanna Doohan, 7. Leah Darcy, 8. Sophie Daly, 9. Ciara McCarthy, 10. Kayla Darcy, 11. Amy Sexton (Captain), 12. Ide O’Connor, 13. Michaela Sexton, 14. Chloe Moloney, 15. Karen Galvin. Substitutes: 17. Emma Talty, 18. Ellie Hanrahan, 19. Aoife Donohue, 20. Maire Garvey, 21. Niamh Miller, 22. Sarah Keavey, 23. Abbie Cushen, 24. Amy Martin, 25. Jessica Doohan, 26. Ciara Hickey. Backroom team: Bainisteoir David O’Brien; mentor Gary Sexton; FLO Alisha Talty; physio/doctor Michael Weaving.