IT’S no coincidence that as some of Cork’s more experienced players returned to the fold, the Rebels finally lifted off in Division 1A of the Centra Camogie Leagues.

BY KEVIN EGAN

After back-to-back defeats against Waterford and Antrim left the defending champions bottom of the table, Cork returned to winning ways with a 1–15 to 0–9 victory away to previously unbeaten Kilkenny.

At Freshford, the Rebels struggled despite having the aid of the breeze and looked to be in trouble when Kilkenny reeled them in ten minutes into the second half, with the Cats now having the wind at their backs.

But unlike the opening weeks, when Ger Manley opted for experimental sides, this was a Cork team with far more familiar faces, including a host of All-Stars and All-Ireland winners. Once one of that cohort – Orlaith Cahalane – rattled the net in the 50th minute, the Rebels didn’t look back.

‘I thought we played okay in certain parts of the Waterford and Antrim games but it’s all about winning,’ Manley said.

‘Amy (Lee) in goal, Orlaith Cahalane, Sorcha McCartan, Méabh Cahalane – Laura Hayes was phenomenal today. Izzy O’Regan coming back as well, it was great to see her back after 12 months out. Any time you get players like that on the field you’re happy.

‘We probably should have been up a few more scores at half-time, but once we got the goal, we finished well.’

With the breeze at their backs and the bit between their teeth, Cork quickly put three points on the board through Hayley Ryan, Emma Murphy (free) and Sorcha McCartan, holding their hosts scoreless until midway through the half when Aoife Prendergast landed a free to break their duck.

The second quarter saw Kilkenny compete well to hold the deficit to 0–7 to 0–4 at half-time, and it looked like they were poised to push on and win when they drew level after the break with a brace of pointed frees from Prendergast and further white flags from Asha McHardy and Sarah Barcoe.

For the first time in any competitive game in 2026, Cork found a rich vein of form in the final quarter, ignited by Orlaith Cahalane’s goal. Ashling Thompson and McCartan were hugely influential while Isobel Sheehan and Ryan landed late points to confirm a comprehensive victory.

Manley confirmed that more players will return to the fold for their remaining games against Galway and Tipperary, with the Rebels hosting Tipp in Páirc Uí Rinn this Saturday (1pm).

The Cork boss also expressed both admiration and concern for the long-serving Ashling Thompson, who was forced off with a late elbow injury.

‘A player fell on her, it was a pure accident, but I think it was her elbow. She was flying, and it’s better she’s getting it now. Her enthusiasm and desire are incredible. For her sake and ours, I hope it’s not serious,’ he added.