19/10/2026
EMERALDS CROWNED INTERMEDIATE COUNTY CHAMPIONS 2026 🏆
Emeralds 3-11
Mooncoin 0-11
Emeralds were crowned Abbott Intermediate County Champions in UPMC Nowlan Park on Saturday afternoon following a thrilling encounter with Mooncoin, in front of a big contingent of Emeralds supporters.
Having played their first Summer League game away to Ballyhale on the 4th of April, little did this group know that it would be the beginning of something truly unforgettable.
A panel of 38 girls had been putting in the hard work since the beginning of February, training two nights a week, week in and week out, with one goal firmly in their minds — to reach an Intermediate County Final for the first time since 2005.
They say you save the best for last, and that certainly proved true on Saturday afternoon. Having played 17 games throughout the campaign, Emeralds produced their finest team performance when it mattered most. Every player gave absolutely everything for the jersey, with incredible work rate, determination and teamwork from the first whistle to the last.
The opening half was a low-scoring affair, with both sides battling hard for every possession and neither team giving an inch.
Emeralds got off the mark after just two minutes when captain Anne Dalton converted a free, won following some excellent work by Lucy Kavanagh. From the opening exchanges, there were signs of nerves on both sides, understandable given the occasion and what was at stake.
The Emeralds backs were settling well into the game, working tirelessly to clear their lines, while Lucy Kavanagh and Róisín Gibbons were causing problems further up the field and winning valuable possession.Anne slotted over a long range free won by Róisín Gibbons. Another free for Emeralds was awarded and converted to put them 3 ahead.
Mooncoin opened their account after 15 minutes through a free from Sarah Crowley, and the contest remained evenly balanced, with scores proving difficult to come by.
Emeralds were enjoying plenty of possession in attack but were finding it difficult to turn their opportunities into scores. Anne Dalton added another point from a free outside the 45-metre line to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
Mooncoin began to find their rhythm and, with some well-taken scores, ensured there was very little separating the sides. Aoibhe Bourke was working tirelessly around the middle of the field, making a vital interception before finding Anne Dalton, who split the posts with a lovely point from play.
With half-time approaching, Niamh Crowley pointed for Mooncoin to leave the minimum between the teams. Mooncoin added two further scores before the break to leave them trailing by a single point.
Half-time: Emeralds 0-06 Mooncoin 0-05.
Both teams returned to the field to a huge roar from the crowd, with everything still to play for. Emeralds, however, were about to produce a second-half performance that earned them the title of County Champions.
Leyla Ahern was introduced for Emma Kenny who had put in a great shift during the opening half.
Mooncoin opened the second-half scoring with a point from play to level the game. Emily Kavanagh set up Emma Dunphy who responded with a brilliant point following a great run to go one up with 5 mins gone.
Then came the breakthrough Emeralds had been searching for. Following fantastic work by Louise Hickey and Lucy Kavanagh to keep possession, Lucy unleashed a powerful shot that flew into the back of the Mooncoin net. It was a rocket of a goal and one that lifted the Emeralds supporters to their feet.
Mooncoin responded with a point to leave just three between the sides, and the intensity of the contest continued to rise. Both teams were giving absolutely everything, with neither willing to surrender an inch.
Mooncoin continued to battle and added another well-worked point, while Emeralds also saw a goal opportunity go begging. Every possession was now being fiercely contested, with the Emeralds defence working tirelessly to keep the opposition at bay.
Emeralds were far from finished, and another moment of brilliance was about to follow. A beautifully worked move involving Róisín Gibbons saw the ball delivered into Louise Hickey, who made no mistake as she found the back of the net.
Soon after,Lucy Kavanagh delivered a superb ball into Róisín Gibbons, who caught it brilliantly before firing an unstoppable shot to the net. The Emeralds supporters were now up on their feet.
Mooncoin continued to apply pressure, but the Emeralds defence stood firm. Siobhan O Hara produced a fantastic save to deny Mooncoin a goal.Louise Hickey followed with another well-taken point from play.
With eight minutes remaining, Emeralds held a commanding lead. Leyla Ahern added a lovely point from play, while Louise Hickey continued to cause problems for the Mooncoin defence, adding another score following great teamwork.
It was also wonderful to see Roisín Ahern and Jesse Newman introduced, two players who had recently returned from injury and worked hard to get back onto the field.
Mooncoin never stopped battling and added further points, but Emeralds had done enough. Every tackle, every clearance and every piece of teamwork brought them closer to the final whistle.
When referee Eoin Hayes, who did an excellent job throughout, sounded the final whistle, the scenes of joy and celebration were unforgettable.
Players, management and supporters celebrated together as Emeralds were crowned Intermediate County Champions for the first time since 2005.
After months of dedication, hard work and belief, the dream had become a reality. Emeralds were county champions and had secured their place in the Intermediate Leinster Championship. They also now head into the Senior Ranks in 2027. It was also great to see our U10 girls play at half-time against Mooncoin in the mini games. They showed great skill on the field and had a great time.
For captain Anne Dalton and vice-captain Davina Tobin, who led by example throughout the campaign, it was a fitting reward for their leadership and commitment. But this was a victory built on the efforts of an entire panel . From goalkeeper Siobhan to the backs comprising of Saoirse,Niamh,Alanna,Ruth,
Davina and Eimear were excellent.The midfield duo of Emily and Emma caused lots of problems. All the forwards worked superb in keeping the ball and creating scores together. Every one of the 38 girls had played her part in getting Emeralds to this moment, whether on the field, at training or supporting her teammates from the sideline.
A huge thank-you to the management team of Raymond O Dowd, Coach Paddy Moore, selectors Raymie Moriarty, Clodagh Cleere,Sinead Curran and Stats man John O' Dwyer for their dedication, commitment and countless hours of work throughout the year. A big thanks also to Sophie Pembroke physio for doing a wonderful job all year with the girls.
A big thanks to the committee and everyone who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, your efforts have not gone unnoticed and are greatly appreciated. To Nuala Hickey for providing the food to the girls during training it has always gone down a treat.
A huge thanks again to our sponsors for the jerseys. To Carrie Grant for decorating the room in the Urlingford Arms Hotel on Saturday it looked fantastic so a huge thank you. To Nicholas Healy for the meal that was enjoyed by all.
And finally, to our 38 girls what a journey, what a team and what an achievement. You have given your club, your families and your community memories that will be treasured for years to come.
Whatever Leinster brings, we all know that you will go and give it one hell of a shot.
We look forward to going on the road again in two weeks time to meet either Camross or Mount Leinster Rangers.
Emeralds Abu 💚🤍💚🤍
