Cork retained the ZuCar All-Ireland U18 A title with a disciplined 0-11 to 0-7 victory over Roscommon at Glenisk O’Connor Park, Tullamore, on Saturday. Kieran O’Shea and his management team deserve huge credit for guiding the Rebels to back-to-back national crowns, adding to their Munster title and completing another outstanding campaign.

In a final played under the old GAA rules, Cork showed patience and composure against a Roscommon side that packed numbers behind the ball and looked to counter-attack. The Connacht champions, appearing in their first U18 A decider since 1991, were backed by a large travelling support and stayed in contention throughout.

Cork led 0-6 to 0-3 at half-time, with Róisín Ní Liatháin impressing in attack. Laura Walsh’s accuracy from placed balls proved decisive, while Cork’s dominance of kick-out possession helped them control the second half.

Scorers for Cork: L Walsh 0-5 f, R Ní Liatháin 0-3, C O’Donnell, L Finnegan, S O’Connor 0-1 each.

Roscommon: L Glennon (0-3 f) 0-4, I Kenny 0-2, A Creevy 0-1.

CORK: R Duggan (Clonakilty); A Kelleher (Kinsale), A Collins (Nemo Rangers), M Barrett (Erin’s Own); É Walsh (Mourneabbey), A Coughlan (Aghada), C O’Donnell (Kinsale); C Ní Mhocháin (Naomh Abán), S O’Connor (Ballincollig); L Finnegan (Mourneabbey), L Walsh (captain, Mourneabbey), E Connolly (Castlehaven); A Devereaux (Youghal), L O’Connor (Inch Rovers), R Ní Liatháin (Naomh Abán).

Subs: A Treacy (Glanmire) for L O’Connor (41), Á Kearney (Kinsale) for A. Devereaux (49).

ROSCOMMON: L Finneran; E Halpin, M Finneran, A McCormack; C Trautt, L McSharry, G Gerrity; S Jane O’Connor, R Higgins; L Glennon, R Flynn, A Creevy; V Gannon, I Kenny, S McGrath (captain).

Subs: S Meghan for R Flynn (39), A Nugent for I Kenny (43), A Rogers for V Gannon (52), C Mulryan for S McGrath (52).

Referee: Eddie Cuthbert (Down).