Cork's aim was two-fold in this very competitive All Ireland Junior Camogie final at Croke Park yesterday. The Leesiders had a score to settle with their Derry rivals following defeat in the League, and at the same time Cork were intent on recording a sixth title.

However, it was only after Cork goalkeeper Geraldine Casey saved twice from full forward Mary O'Kane that could the Cork defence could breath a sigh of relief in a hectic finish.

Fortunately for Cork they had an excellent free taker in left corner forward Rachel Maloney from Courcey Rovers. Maloney may have made a couple of mistakes but her overall tally of nine points, seven from frees, was a deciding factor.

Moloney's colleagues in the of attack, Ciara Healy and Crona Harte, were also very active and contributed another three points. This type of score poaching by Cork front runners was imperative especially after Derry's flying left-half-forward Paula McAtamney put it up to the Munster girls with a superb goal early in the second half, to give Derry a 2-7 to 1-7 lead.

The work rate throughout the game had to be admired and the sides were level on numerous occasions. The goal frame at the Railway end came to Cork's rescue when Shauna McCaul was denied by the woodwork, before Mulholland got Derry back within a point.

The Cork defence generally held firm despite each of the Derry forwards finding their way onto the score sheet. Rosmarie Holland and Jill Hannon, in the central positions, got through sound work.

Aileen Tohill, a sister of Derry footbballer Anthony, strove relentlessly as Derry's attack leader.

There was also a little nostalgia for Cork soccer fans with Sheenagh Morley, a daughter of Jackie, operating in midfield. But the Bishopstown player had to retire injured in the second half. Her midfield partner Helen Walsh did well to keep things moving with an early point which halted a promising Derry start.After Derry's Karen Rafferty and Mary O'Kane contrived a 17th minute goal to send Derry into a 1-4 to 0-4 lead, Cork's right winger, Orla O'Sullivan, popped up on the left for the goal of the afternoon.

The St Finbarr's player raced on to a dropping ball and careered goalwards before unleasing and unstoppable shot to the Derry net.

Cork: G Casey; M Harrington, R Holland, S Buckley; R Cahalan, J Hannon, L O'Connell; H Walsh (0-1), S Morley; O O'Sullivan (1-0), M Corkery, E Burke; C Harte (0-1), C Healy (0-2), R Maloney (0-9 seven frees). Subs: C Giltinan for L O'Connell. V O'Sullivan for Morley.

Derry: A Crilly; C Scullin, G Maguire, P McKenna; C McDonald S Convery, C Doherty; M Mulholand (0-2), A O'Loughlin; S McCaul (0-1), A Tohill (0-1), P McAtamney (1- 1); C McNicholl (0-1), M O'Kane (1- 2), K Rafferty (0-1). Subs: A O'Kane for McNicholl, S Stevenson for McDonald.

Referee: J Morrissey (Tipperary).