Meath exit All-Ireland camogie championship

Meath's quest for the All-Ireland Intermediate Camogie title will have to continue for another year after they exited the 2016 race at Clane this afternoon when they were six points adrift of Kildare at the final whistle.

Kildare won by 2-15 to 2-9 and the crucial score was a goal by Siobhan HUrley seven minutes from time that gace the Lilywhites a 2-13 to 2-8 advantage after Meath had battled back to tail by the minimum at the three-quarter stage.

Meath started well and were ahead from a first minute Jane Dolan point, but Kildare were on terms a minute later when Susie O'Carroll sent over from a placed ball.

Dolan added four more pointed frees by the 21st minute at which stage Meath were ahead by 0-5 to 0-4. Kildare also had a second minute penalty saved by Emily Mangan, but they added points from O'Carroll (two frees) and Melissa Lyons.

However, Kildare upped the tempo and dictated the remainder of the half with O'Carroll (three), Siobhan Hurley and Lyons adding points and the crucial goal coming from Noelle Earley for a 1-9 to 0-5 interval advantage.

Two Dolan goals and two points plus a Megan Thynne point had Meath in contention after the resumption as they trailed by only a points, 2-8 to 1-12, with 15 minutes remaining, but Kildare found a response and finished strongest for a merited victory.