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.

25. Anna Dillon of Kildare receives the Player of the Match award from Deirdre Forrest, Communications Manager at AirNav Ireland, after 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

Anna Dillon of Kildare receives the Player of the Match award from Deirdre Forrest, Communications Manager at AirNav Ireland, after 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

26. Kildare players celebrate with the trophy after their side's victory in 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

Kildare players celebrate with the trophy after their side's victory in 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

27. Anna Dillon of Kildare celebrates with supporters after 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

Anna Dillon of Kildare celebrates with supporters after 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

28. Kildare captain Amy Wall receives the cup from Arthur Corrigan, Leinster LGFA President, after 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

Kildare captain Amy Wall receives the cup from Arthur Corrigan, Leinster LGFA President, after 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