The Blackhall Gaels star threatened to run amok in the opening period though and her two first half goals put her side in a good position at half time, leading by 2-4 to 1-6 despite having played into a fairly strong wind. Carol Nolan goaled for Kildare from a long distance free while Susie O’Carroll landed four massive points from frees.

The Lilies resumed in determined fashion and a Róisín O’Connell goal in the 33rd minute gave them a dream start. A brace of points from Aoife Maguire brought the sides level but three O’Carroll points put Kildare in control.

They held that advantage until the 53rd minute Lizzie Oaks’ sideline cut flew all the way to the Kildare net and both sides had chances to claim the silverware before Dolan’s dramatic late winner.

A hat-trick of goals from Joanne Walsh and 1-3 from player of the match Pamela Greville helped Westmeath account for a gritty Cavan in the Division 4 decider, 4-6 to 2-8.

Cavan’s most experienced player Marie Brady struck for a brace of goals and Róisín O’Keeffe was always dangerous, but Walsh’s poaching skills and the switch of Greville to full-forward paid handsome dividends for Westmeath.

The Lakesiders led by 2-2 to 1-4 at half time but two goals in the final quarter from Walsh gave them the necessary breathing space to hold off their Ulster opponents.

Meanwhile, Kilkenny waltzed into the final of the All-Ireland U16A championship final, proving too strong for Clare by 5-17 to 0-8. They must wait to find out who they play in the decider though as Cork and Tipperary drew 3-9 apiece.

Wexford beat Offaly to 1-7 to 2-5 in the B semi-final, while in the penultimate rounds of the C championship, Down trumped Westmeath 4-6 to 2-6, and Carlow overcame Meath 1-6 to 0-5.