Limerick Celtics U16 Girls land All-Ireland title following thrilling final against Dublin Lions

THE Limerick Celtics U16 Girl's side are AIG U16 All-Ireland Club champions after they defeated Dublin Lions in an enthralling encounter in the capital on Sunday. 

A precursor to the 'A' final took place in the final Group One contest on Saturday, as the then unbeaten Limerick Celtics and Dublin Lions faced off for top spot in the table. Both had dispatched St. Mary's and Portlaoise Panthers respectively in their previous two games - setting up the winner take all game which lived up to expectations.

Trailing by three entering the fourth quarter, Dublin Lions co-captain Aoife Courtney came out hitting a big three to bring her side level - initiating an 11-3 run that would see Lions leapfrog Celtics and take a five-point win over the defending champions. 

Hard fought wins against Cavan Eagles, Meteors BC, Glanmire BC and Kilkenny Stars in the knockout rounds set up the rematch for 4:30pm on Sunday and once more, both teams served up an incredible game. 

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Overtime was required to seperate them. Lions co-captain Aoife Courtney showed her leadership skills on the big stage - hitting 11 points to go with nine points from Klaudija Brence, seven points by Mia Dunne and five through the club's other co-captain Avie-Leigh McGonagle.

It just wasn't enough though. Emma Ryan's clutch three with just under two minutes to go in regulation brought the game to the extra period, where Limerick Celtics managed to take over. 

A 7-1 run, started by top-scorer Robyn Walsh and culminating in another three-point dagger from Ryan, proved to be the difference. Siun Kelly, Megan Hehir and Emma Somers also made big contributions as the club made it successive AIG U16 Girls AICC titles.