MCINERNEY'S A MARVEL AS THE TRIBE CRACK IT

GALWAY captain Katie Manning became the first ever player to lift the All-Ireland U23 trophy following her side's 1-11 to 1-8 victory over Cork on Saturday at the TUS Gaelic Grounds in Limerick.

- BY DARREN KELLY

Kayla Madden's goal on 24 minutes put the winners in the driving seat and with Niamh McInerney providing a player-of-the-match performance, they prevailed by three points.

"When we were starting to die a bit out there, our bench came on. Every turnover they made, it just drove us further," said Manning.

"We got a huge impact off our bench," said a delighted manager Cathal Murray.

"That's what it's about..

"We performed really well and got the scores when it mattered.

"Brilliant win."

Murray hailed the vital goal and McInerney's contribution.

"Niamh has been one of the standout performers for us in this competition all year. She's been excellent.