Kildare survived a late scare to claim the All-Ireland Intermediate title for the second time ever with a one point win over Clare.

When Neasa Dooley fired over a point for Kildare in the 47th minute to extend their lead to seven points it things looked ominous for the Banner County but credit to Wayne Freeman’s side they never gave up and two goals in the final 10 minutes left for a very nervy ending.

Clare did get a free with seconds remaining to tie the game but Kildare were able to win the ball and thus win the game.

The two first half goals that Clare conceded were poor from their point of view and could’ve been avoided. But you couldn’t take it away from Kildare, they were hungry and the chances fell their way they took them. Clare kicked five points in the first half and they were all from frees. 

Two frees from the boot of Fidelma Marrinan gave Clare an early two point lead. In the eighth minute Roisin Byrne opened up her account with a pointed free. That followed by Kildare’s first goal; a lovely finish from Trina Duggan after being set up by Neasa Dooley. Two more points from Byrne (one free) put the Lilywhites in front by four in the 13th minute.

Chloe Moloney kicked over a much needed point from a free for Clare in the 14th minute. Kildare replied with points from Lara Gilbert and Byrne (free) either side of another Marrinan free.

In the 20th minute Ellen Dowling capitalised on a mistake by Clare keeper Amy Lenihan to score Kildare’s second goal. Byrne followed that up with an excellent point from play to extend the lead to eight points in the 21st minute.

Clare hit a few poor efforts before Moloney kicked over her second free and her side’s fifth point minutes before the break. They trailed by six points 2-6 to 0-6.

Moloney and Byrne traded frees before Clare got their first point from play; Cliodhna Blake with a nice point in the 37th minute. 

The Banner County needed a goal and substitute Ciara McCarthy had an effort caught on the line by Kildare netminder Mary Hulgriane and then Aisling Reidy shot wide.

They were to find the back of the net in the 51st minute with Marrinan fisting Moloney’s free to the net. Kildare edged in front by four in the 54th minute with Dooley kicking over a fine effort but there was time for late drama. Moloney found the back of the net in the 55th minute to cut the gap to just one point.

Kildare had a chance to go two ahead near the end but Byrne’s free was caught by Lenihan. Try as they might Clare just couldn’t get that equaliser as Kildare held on.