All Ireland Final Report
Scoil Pól Kilfinane (Limerick) 3-6 St Colm’s Draperstown (Derry) 1-3
ST COLM’S Draperstown will be disappointed their journey to Mullingar did not have the desired outcome in this All Ireland Junior Colleges camogie final. However they can proudly hold their heads high knowing they battled to the bitter end as the score line does not reflect their work ethic and possession throughout the full hour.
St Colm’s created the majority of chances in the opening half with Sara Lagan and Elise Connolly scoring points from open play and full forward Aoife Doyle netting the only goal for St. Colm’s. St. Colm’s only trailed by one point at half time, 1-3 to 1-2 as their entire defensive unit led by Cliodhna Hickson at Centre half back soaked up immense pressure. Captain Sara Kelly had the unenviable task of curtailing Scoil Pol’s midfielder and soccer international Aoife Cronin. Even though Croinin was a thorn at times, Kelly marshalled her well over the hour.
The second half saw St. Colm’s battle bravely all over the pitch, with wing half backs, Erin Kelly and Rachel Mc Cullagh stopping numerous Limerick attacks, together with the industrious Sinead Mc Guigan at midfield. It was Scoil Pol whose radar was on target with Roisin O Riordan getting her second goal in the 43rd minute for Scoil Pol while Cronin popped over the frees to leave the Ulster champions in trouble.
Hickson did hit the target with a well taken free but it was St. Colm’s only score. St. Colm’s forward line continued to threaten, but could not get that opening to hurt the Limerick defence. Scoil Pol finished the Derry girls’ dream of winning this All Ireland as the Limerick side hit a goal direct from a free in injury time.
For all the supporters who made the long journey to Mullingar they can be proud of this St. Colm’s team, as their resilience, work rate and spirit gave the entire school community a journey to remember.
St Colm’s : MJ Mc Eldowney, E Gray, S Scullion, N Hamill, R McCullagh, C Hickson (0-1), E Kelly, A Doyle (0-1), S Kelly capt, C Donnelly, C Kelly, S Lagan (1-0), A McDaid, S McGuigan, E Connolly (0-1) O O’Neill for for A McDaid, L McCullagh for E Connolly, C Mc Guigan, M O Neill, C Scullion, C Heaney, M Mc Laughlin
Scoil Pól : S O'Brien, A O'Connor, D Mullins, R Condon, S Litchfield, É Lee, R Walsh, C O’Riordan (0-1), A Cronin (1-5, 1-4 frees), A Shorthall
