All-Ireland Schools’ Senior quarter-final
Scoil Cháitríona Dublin 1-8 St Killian’s Garron Tower 2-13
Report by Seamas McAleenan
Pics by Brian McKee
FRESH from their hard-fought 4-7 to 1-11 victory in the Fr Davies’ Cup final in the Loup the previous Saturday, St Killian’s Garron Tower travelled to Dublin on Saturday for an All-Ireland quarter-final against Dublin schools’ champions Scoil Cháitríona on Mobhi Road.
The new Ulster champions however hit the ground running and moved into a lead of 0-6 to 0-2 by the first water break with two each from Kady McNeill and Niamh Graham and one each from Cara O’Boyle and Orlaith McAlister.
There were still four points between the teams at half time with each adding a goal to their total. Monique O’Boyle’s green flag in the 26th minute was quickly cancelled by Aoibhinn Ní Ghormáin who was left in the clear as the Garron Tower defence were caught ball-watching. That left it 1-8 to 1-4 at the change of ends.
However the defence tightened up after the break and St Killian’s pushed on with a goal from Orlaith McAlister on the re-start. Points followed for Kady McNeill (2) and Síne Woodhouse as the Tower moved to an advantage of eight points by the second water-break.
From then on in, it was straightforward enough with Woodhouse and Cara O’Boyle adding points to the total.
Abi McNeill was excellent at centre-half back throughout, closing off Scoil Cháitríona’s path to goal. Cara O’Boyle and Lára Haughey battled well at midfield while Clodagh McPeake was a real problem for the home defence at full-forward.
The win brings complications for St Killian’s who already had an All-Ireland junior (under 16) quarter-final against Loreto Balbriggan booked in for next Saturday.
They now have to travel to Moneygall in north Tipperary for a senior semi-final against Coláiste Phobail Ros Cré on Saturday with the Balbriggan game brought forward to Wednesday 2pm in Cushendun.
St Killian’s : Orlaith McAlister 1-1 (0-1 free), Monique O’Boye 1-0, Kady McNeill 0-4, Síne Woodhouse 0-3, Niamh Graham 0-2, Cara O’Boyle 0-2, Clodagh McPeake 0-1.
Scoil Cháitríona : Aoibhinn Ní Ghormáin 1-0, Ruby Ní Chonchoille 0-7 (2fs), Keeva Ní Chaiside 0-1 (f).
St Killian’s: Orla Donnelly, Rose Black, Eimhear McMullan, Úna McAlister, Catherine O’Boyle, Abi McNeill, Erin McCambridge, Cara O’Boyle, Lára Haughey, Orlaith McAlister, Síne Woodhouse, Kady McNeill, Monique O’Boyle, Clodagh McPeake, Niamh Graham.
Subs: Aisling Mullholland for Una McAlister, Ellie Jo Butler for Niamh Graham, Molly McNeill for Kady McNeill, Laura Black for Erin McCambridge
Scoil Cháitríona: Caitríona Ní Fheinneadha, Erin Ní Thuathail, Kellie Ní Chinnegáin, Keelin Ní Chorcoráin, Amy Ní Chumascaigh, Éabha Ní Mhaolagáin, Keelin Ní Chorcoráin, Aine Ní Brádaigh, Ruby Ní Choncoille, Naoise Koppel, Síomha Ní Dhonnchadha, Muireann Ní Dhonnchú, Aoife Ní Fhlionn, Keeva Ní Chaiside, Chloe Ní Chaiside
Sub: Aoibhinn Ní Ghormáin
