Kerry retained the TG4 Ladies Munster Senior Football Championship title after a dramatic 2-9 to 1-11 victory over Waterford in Kilmallock.

In a fiercely contested provincial final, Waterford pushed the reigning champions all the way and were left wondering what might have been after a spirited second-half display.

At the break, the sides were level on intensity if not on the scoreboard, with Kerry leading 2-5 to 1-8 after an entertaining opening 30 minutes.

Waterford created several goal opportunities throughout the contest, but Kerry goalkeeper Mary Ellen Bolger proved decisive with a series of outstanding saves that ultimately kept the Déise at bay.

Speaking after the game, Waterford manager Tomás Mac an tSaoir admitted his side would rue missed chances.

“It’s very hard to sum it up, really,” he said.

“I suppose we left chances after us. Over the course of 60 minutes, we probably left chances go. A couple of mistakes along the way, and maybe on another day, things swing the other way.”

Tomás also voiced frustration with some officiating decisions during the second half, though he stopped short of placing blame solely on the referee.

“It’s just clarity, really, and consistency. Maybe it’s us that’s not reading it right, so I’m going to blame myself for that before anybody else,” he said.

Despite the disappointment, the Waterford boss praised his players’ effort and pointed to Kerry goalkeeper Bolger’s influence on the outcome.

“She was very, very good inside there and maybe another day those chances go in,” he said.

Waterford now turn their attention towards the All-Ireland series after suffering a third consecutive Munster final defeat. Tomás believes the squad can regroup and mount a strong championship challenge over the summer.

“We came here last year and had a strong championship after it, so we’ll have to reset again,” he said.

The manager also paid tribute to Waterford star Emma Murray, who made a remarkable effort to line out in the final despite flying home from abroad earlier in the week.

“She was back in pretty quick, alright, and has to fly away again tonight,” Mac an tSaoir revealed.

“That probably sums her up, really. She’s one of the best to wear the jersey.”

Tomás also confirmed that the Munster final marked Murray’s final appearance for Waterford this summer as she returns overseas to focus on work commitments.

The Waterford manager also thanked the large travelling support that made the journey to Kilmallock.

“You could see it there; they completely outnumbered the Kerry side,” he said.

“It really does help the girls. Even in the closing minutes, you could hear them roaring and shouting. Fair play to them, and we really do thank them.”

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