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.

13. Ella McPhillips of Cavan gathers the ball 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

Ella McPhillips of Cavan gathers the ball 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

14. Ciara O'Reilly of Cavan 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

Ciara O'Reilly of Cavan 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

15. Doireann Brady of Cavan in action against Kildare players, from left, Amy Wall, Sarianna Hannick, and Kate Hill, 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 Kildare players, from left, Amy Wall, Sarianna Hannick, and Kate Hill, 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

16. Ellie Reilly of Cavan in action against Doireann Lanigan 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

Ellie Reilly of Cavan in action against Doireann Lanigan 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