PHOTOS: Sunshine and glory as Kildare win All-Ireland U16 'A' championship

Kildare beat Cavan 1-10 to 0-9 in Athlone GAA to become All-Ireland champions

Kildare became AirNav All-Ireland U16 ‘A’ champions on a sun-kissed Wednesday evening in Athlone. The Lilies ran out 1-10 to 0-9 winners after a thrilling back and forth encounter with Cavan.

READ FULL REPORT: Kildare crowned All-Ireland U16 'A' champions with thrilling win over Cavan

A second half goal from Sarsfields’ Anna Dillon was followed by incredible Kildare nerve down the home stretch as they closed out for a historic victory to be crowned the best team in the country in their age group.

1. Kildare players Caoimhe Costello and Sarianna Hannick celebrate after their side's victory in the 2026 AirNav Ireland All-Ireland U-16 A Championship final match between Cavan and Kildare at Páirc Chiarain in Westmeath. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Kildare players Caoimhe Costello and Sarianna Hannick celebrate after their side's victory in the 2026 AirNav Ireland All-Ireland U-16 A Championship final match between Cavan and Kildare at Páirc Chiarain in Westmeath. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile | SPORTSFILE

2. Róisín Kerins of Kildare celebrates with supporters after the 2026 AirNav Ireland All-Ireland U-16 A Championship final match between Cavan and Kildare at Páirc Chiarain in Westmeath. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Róisín Kerins of Kildare celebrates with supporters after the 2026 AirNav Ireland All-Ireland U-16 A Championship final match between Cavan and Kildare at Páirc Chiarain in Westmeath. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile | SPORTSFILE

3. Player of the Match Kildare's Anna Dillon with her award after the 2026 AirNav Ireland All-Ireland U-16 A Championship final match between Cavan and Kildare at Páirc Chiarain in Westmeath. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Player of the Match Kildare's Anna Dillon with her award after the 2026 AirNav Ireland All-Ireland U-16 A Championship final match between Cavan and Kildare at Páirc Chiarain in Westmeath. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile | SPORTSFILE

4. Kildare players Ellen Moran, left, and Ellen Moran celebrate after their side's victory in the 2026 AirNav Ireland All-Ireland U-16 A Championship final match between Cavan and Kildare at Páirc Chiarain in Westmeath. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Kildare players Ellen Moran, left, and Ellen Moran celebrate after their side's victory in the 2026 AirNav Ireland All-Ireland U-16 A Championship final match between Cavan and Kildare at Páirc Chiarain in Westmeath. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile | SPORTSFILE