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.
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.
5. Referee Conor McCarthy with Kildare captain Amy Wall and Cavan captain Aoife Rogers before 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
Referee Conor McCarthy with Kildare captain Amy Wall and Cavan captain Aoife Rogers before 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
6. Doireann Brady of Cavan in action against Kayla Mooney of Kildare during 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
Doireann Brady of Cavan in action against Kayla Mooney of Kildare during 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
7. Referee Conor McCarthy with Kildare captain Amy Wall and Cavan captain Aoife Rogers before 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
Referee Conor McCarthy with Kildare captain Amy Wall and Cavan captain Aoife Rogers before 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
8. Shonagh Brennan of Cavan in action against Kildare players Grace Martin, right, and Annabelle Lundy during 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
Shonagh Brennan of Cavan in action against Kildare players Grace Martin, right, and Annabelle Lundy during 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