Presentation College, Kilkenny came out on top of a titanic tussle in the O’Neills All-Ireland second level schools’ senior A camogie final at the Parnells GAA club on Saturday writes Daragh Ó Conchúir.
St Mary’s, Magherafelt threw everything at their opponents, particularly in the second half, but they just couldn’t find the goals they needed to peg them back and finished on the wrong side of a 2-9 to 0-9 scoreline.
With a strong wind in their favour, Pres flew out of the blocks and opened up a 1-5 to 0-0 lead, Aisling Nolan scoring the goal. St. Marys settled into proceedings though and finished well, with three points from Áine McAllister leaving them just four points behind at the interval, 1-7 to 0-3.
Máire O’Connell had six of the Kilkenny side’s points in that opening period and added to that tally in the second, despite the increased pressure from St Mary’s. The vital score though was Aoife Farrell’s excellent goal entering the final quarter, and late points from Ciara Scullion and McAllister were not enough for the gallant Magherafelt girls.
The B, C and D finals were all hosted by MacDonagh Park in Nenagh. Player of the match, Niamh Treacy gave an exhibition as Our Lady’s, Templemore proved too strong for Calasanctus, Oranmore by 2-14 to 1-4.
The C final will have to be replayed next weekend after St Joseph’s, Doon and Mayfield College, Dublin could not be separated, sharing 18 points at the end of a wonderful battle.
The D decider was a pulsating affair with Glanmire Community College just coming out on top against Dominican College, Dublin by the minimum margin, 0-12 to 0-11. Douglas sharpshooter Sarah Fahy was the difference between the sides and deservedly picked up the player of the match award.
