Munster Express Online

All-Ireland Ladies Post Primary Schools ‘A’ Football Final

Scoil Mhuire (Carrick-on-Suir) 4-16
Coláiste Iosagáin (Dublin) 2-8

Cóilín Duffy at Nowlan Park

There was excitement aplenty as Scoil Mhuire Carrick on Suir delivered their first ever LIDL All-Ireland Ladies Football PPS Senior A title in impressive fashion at Nowlan Park on Monday week last.
At the famous Kilkenny ground, more accustomed to hurling, both Scoil Mhuire and Coláiste Íosagain produced a game worthy of the big stage.
Double scores and a 14-point gap may have separated the sides at the full time whistle, but this was far from a one-sided contest.
Colaiste Íosagain were searching for their second title in three years, with both teams going through purple patches, before ultimately Scoil Mhuire secured honours.
Although the more experienced outfit, Stillorgan, Dublin based Íosagain had a tough opening as Scoil Mhuire settled quickest with scorer-in-chief and captain Aoife Murray firing the opening score from a placed ball.
Both sides made a frantic start to this contest and were level on three occasions inside the opening 14 minutes – Michelle Ní Chiardha with the equaliser, before Katie Murray received a pass from her sister Aoife to put Scoil Mhuire back in front.
Hannah Ní Dheá equalised, before Aoife Murray and Michelle Ní Chiardha traded scores to level the tie once more.
Scoil Mhuire took control with a 15th minute point from Aoife Murray handed her side a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.

Despite a tremendous opening, accuracy suddenly was an issue and from six successive attacks between the 16th and 22nd minutes Coláiste Iosagáin registered four wides, and their Carrick-on-Suir counterparts had two misses.
Scoil Mhuire firmly made amends and took firm command to take a 1-7 to 0-3 lead by the 27th minute, with Keeley Corbett-Barry taking their goal, after a precision pass from Emma Murray – an advantage they also held at the break.

Heavy rain prevailed as both sides took a well earned breather at the break, and with triplets Aoife, Katie and Emma Murray outstanding, and a strong Scoil Mhuire attack, it was going to be tough for Colaiste Iosagain.
They responded well with three of the first four points after the restart, but Scoil Mhuire dug in moving 2-11 to 0-6 ahead following a goal from Player of the Match Geraldine Power goal after 42 minutes.
Coláiste Iosagain replied with an unanswered 2-2 to cut the gap to three points, but that was as good as it got, as Scoil Mhuire fired 2-5 without reply, including goals from Corbett-Barry and Beth Norris on the way to an impressive win.
Aoife Murray received the cup after the game, with Geraldine Power picking up the Player of the Match award


.

Scoil Mhuire: Cailín Power; Emily McCarthy, Kate Hahessy, Hallanah White; Áine Power, Jodie Nugent, Aoife Doyle; Emma Murray, KellyAnn Doyle; Geraldine Power (1-2), Katie Murray (0-7), Beth Norris (1-0); Keeley Corbett-Barry (2-2), Aoife Murray (0-5; 0-4f), Angela McGuigan.

Substitutes: Heather Phelan for McGuigan and Cora Murray for Norris (both 61 mins).

Coláiste Iosagáin: Clodagh Ní Shíocháin; Ruth Ní Nulláin, Laoise Nic an Tuille, Eavan Nic Gearailt; Muireann Ní Ghormáin, Tarah Ní Shuilleabháin, Kim Ní Fhearáin; Hannah Ní Dheá (0-1), Michelle Ní Chiardha (0-4; 0-3f); Laura Ní Chatháin, Billy-Kate Huggard, Lasairíona Huggard; Niamh Ní Chiardha, Niamh Ní Shíocháin, Grace Ní Shé (0-3).

Substitutes: Sinéad De Bhuilde (2-0) for Ní Chatháin (HT); Louise Ní Shé for Nic Gearailt (47); Gráinne Ní Dhrisceoill for Ní Shíocháin (52).


Referee: Mel Kenny (Mayo)


Carrick players are “on Cloud Nine!

Cóilín Duffy reports

Scoil Mhuire captain Aoife Murray was on ‘cloud nine’ when she spoke The Munster Express just minutes after her school had captured a first ever All-Ireland Senior A Ladies Football title.
Aoife, was one of three triplets on the side along with Emma and Katie, said it was a special day for not just the squad and management, but also for their families and the clubs who supplied the players.
“When we heard we had five buses going we were delighted. We heard that Coláiste Íosagain had loads of supporters at their last game, and in fairness to everyone they really supported us on the day,” she said. “To be captain is unreal really, because this is something which means a lot to all of us. When we started off in the school in first year we were in ‘D’ competition, and to come up and win Senior ‘A’ is just absolutely amazing. I can’t believe it. I’m so proud to be a part of such a great team.”
Scoil Mhuire were strong and pulled 2-12 to 0-6 ahead at one stage, but Aoife knew that Coláiste Íosagain wouldn’t lie down without a fight.
“We said at half-time in the dressing room that no matter what happened we would keep our heads up and fight until the end.
“We knew we could because we are all very experienced players. I think that really showed on the pitch today.”
The winning management team were husband and wife duo Paul Shankey and Annette O’Connell.
Meath native Paul was thrilled with the effort put in by all concerned.
“It’s a massive achievement. All of the girls who started the journey four or five years ago are here today,” the Portlaw clubman said. “Only for them we wouldn’t have been given this opportunity.”
He added: “We knew we had a very special team this year. It was the core of a really strong team and we knew we had a chance of winning the Championship – that was our objective.
“I’m involved for three or four years now and ladies football is surreal. You could be eight points up and it could turn around in the blink of an eye.
“With a few minutes to go there was only three points in it and they had the run on us, but luckily enough we had the composure and the ability upfront to finish it off.”