John Cleary hails leaders as Cork minors come out on top again

Cork 2-19 Dublin 4-9: John Cleary hailed the composure of his leaders as Cork retained their All- Ireland Ladies Football minor A championship crown at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park in Longford yesterday.

Nine points up with less than 10 minutes remaining, Dublin hit a quick-fire 2-1 to make a game of it. Erica Byrne’s penalty and Julia Buckley’s second goal had Cork nerves jangling before Jade Sweeney Knott pointed to leave the Sky Blues just two behind – 4-9 to 2-17.

But Cork, captained by Cleary’s daughter Laura, kept their cool and midfielder Ciara McCarthy cut through for a wonderful solo point with six minutes left.