The Michael Ryan Cup is back home in Ballymacarbry after a 22-year absence.
Sinéad Kenrick kicked four points from play as Mike Guiry's side ground out an 8-5 win over The Banner at the Mallow GAA Complex. Brid McMaugh, Michelle Ryan and Kellyann Hogan also got on the scoresheet as Ballymac claimed their fifteenth provincial title. Wing back Karen McGrath was heroic in defence and attack for the Waterford side.
Long serving defender Michelle McGrath lifted the trophy in front of the Ballymac faithful. "I actually can't believe it to be honest. I don't think it has really sunk in yet. It's brilliant. We ground out the win today, we knew it was going to be a tough game but just delighted with the result in the end."
Ballymac played with the breeze in the first half and led 5-3 at the break. It took eleven minutes for Sinéad Kenrick to open their account. She kicked three first half points while Kellyann Hogan and Michelle Ryan also raised white flags. Banner star Niamh O'Dea struck two points from play off her left.
Banner goalkeeper Emma O'Driscoll smothered a Claire Walsh shot at the start of the second half. At the other end, Lauren Fitzpatrick saved from Sarah Ní Cheallaigh.
Brid McMaugh finished off a fine team move on 38 minutes before Michelle McGrath blocked a Niamh O'Dea shot. Kenrick then knocked over her fourth point of the afternoon.
Ballymac struggled to put the game to bed as they registered eight wides and turned over ball high up the field. McMaugh converted a free six minutes from time to give them a two score lead. Niamh O'Dea's third point deep into injury time made it a nervy finish for the Waterford champions but they clung on for victory.
