CAMOGIE: ALL-IRELAND JUN ‘C’
Iosagain girls prove to be All-Ireland queens
Daire Walsh
NIAMH Ní Shíochán’s 58th minute goal was decisive last Friday afternoon for Colaiste Íosagáin, who were crowned All-Ireland Schools Junior ‘C’ Camogie champions after edging a nail-biting ten-goal thriller against Colaiste na Trionoide, Doon.
This was the second outing between the two sides, as their previous encounter in Ballykelly on Saturday March 14 had ended all square. The gaelscoil had held a slight edge during the closing stages on that occasion, but late points for the Limerick girls from Aimee Ní Bhriain and Lisa Leonard meant that a replay was required six days later.
Despite falling behind early on to a well-taken Doon goal in this compelling re-match, the Booterstown school soon settled with three-pointers of their own from Hannah Ní Dhea and the excellent Grace Ní Shé. Ní Shé and dead-ball specialist Eleanor Ní Eachtgheirn both added a brace of points before the end of the half, but thanks to another Doon major, the sides remained inseparable at the mid-way stage in the contest.
This set-up a tension-filled second period, and even though Louise Ní Shé (sister of player-of-the-match Grace) found the back of the opposition net in clinical fashion, Doon levelled matters in the closing moments with their fifth goal of the tie.
As the final-whistle approached, extra-time was beginning to loom large. Ní Shíochán had other ideas, though, and her late intervention ultimately guided a jubilant Colaiste Íosagáin towards a magnificent 5-7 to 5-4 success.