Dowling: 'Powerful' team meeting pointed way for Cats

Kilkenny manager Brian Dowling said he and his team were determined to win this All-Ireland final in front of their supporters having claimed the title behind closed doors two years ago.

Sophie O'Dwyer's 58th minute goal saw Kilkenny wrench back a contest which appeared to be swinging against them, Denise Gaule subsequently nailing an injury-time free to edge the Cats home by a single point after an exciting decider against Cork.

Kilkenny boss Dowling, who has now guided the side to two All-Ireland titles in three seasons, said he was convinced they would win after a "powerful" team meeting on Friday night - though he admitted his faith may have wavered in the moments before O'Dwyer's decisive strike.

"It was just unbelievable to win the match, it was nip and tuck," Dowling told RTÉ Sport after the game.

"I was sure it was heading for a replay there. We needed a goal, we were trying to claw Cork back. We'd a great start but Cork kept plugging away like the great team that they are.

"Look, we found a way. This year, we've been doing that. The character of them girls, I'm so proud of them. They're an unbelievable bunch of girls.

"It's really special. We lost so many experienced players. But look at the character, Tiffany Fitzgerald, her first All-Ireland final and she goes up and scores the first point and she's a corner back.

"That's the character these girls have. We had a meeting on Friday night. It was one of the best meetings I was ever involved in as a player or manager. It was just powerful. I told my wife when I came home that there was no way we were going to lose this match. Look, I probably thought differently with a couple of minutes to go.

"But fair play to Sophie O'Dwyer. That's why we need subs coming in and she won