All Ireland junior colleges’ previews

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Niamh Archibald (Ulster PRO)

St Paul‘s, Kilrea will take to the field tomorrow (Sat) in the All-Ireland Junior æC’ Final against Hazelwood College, Dromcollogher, in Ratoath. It is a huge achievement for the school as it is situated in a small rural town meaning they have a limited number of players to pick from.

“”We’re a small rural school with a limited number of players. There’s also a cut off age for some of the fifth years which means we have less senior experience on the team and we have some Year 9’s on the team which is basically girls who are twelve years of age. But they have all matured for us greatly and are focused on the task at hand,”” said Coach Sheila Kearney.

Sheila believes that her side is ready for the game saying: “”We’re really up for the game and the hard work that the girls have put in has been phenomenal I just hope they get the reward they deserve.

“”The excitement has been swelling around the school and I think it will be at its highest tomorrow when we set off. The community is right behind us and the parental support has been second to none.””

St Patrick’s, Maghera will also play their æA’ final against Loreto Secondary School, Kilkenny, in Ratoath and Sheila believes that the overlap in clubs and the closeness of the schools will mean that both sides have great support tomorrow.

“”A couple of the girls would play alongside some of the St Pat’s girls for clubs so they’ll be getting behind each other. We’re also two Derry teams so we’ll be getting behind each other and lending our support,”” added Sheila.

In the æB’ final St Patrick’s, Keady will do battle against St Joesph’s, Borrisoleigh at Ashbourne.

Keady overcame the tough challenge of Voctaional Athenry in the semi-final holding on for a one point victory.

Captain Caoimhe Smith is the driving force of the team, along with Eadaoin Murphy she inspires and motivates the side.

Hannah McGeown and Michaella Doyle have been solid for the Armagh school, their hard work and ability to clear their lines has helped to take the pressure off in tight games.

Coach Orla Fox is hoping that her side can produce one final performance saying: “”If all the girls play to their potential and maintain the superb team work they have displayed in all the games so far then we have no reason to lack confidence in our attempt to capture and All Ireland title, something which has eluded our school to date.””

Fixtures:

æA’ Final: St Patrick’s, Maghera vs Loreto Secondary School, Kilkenny

 (2.15pm, Ratoath)

æB’ Final: St Patrick’s, Keady vs St Joseph‘s, Borrisoleigh (1pm, Ashbourne)

æC’ Final: St Paul‘s, Kilrea vs Hazelwood College, Dromcollogher

(12.30pm, Ratoath)

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