CAMOGIE: ALL-IRELAND ‘B’ FINAL
Core display key as brave Iosagain fall to Rochfortbridge
Daire Walsh
HANNAH Core of St Joseph’s, Rochfortbridge delivered a star performance at Donaghmore/Ashbourne on Tuesday afternoon, as Coláiste Íosagáin’s All-Ireland odyssey ended in a nine-point (2-6 to 0-3) final defeat at the Meath venue.
This eagerly-awaited contest was originally set to take place on March 4, but following adverse weather conditions on that date, it was postponed until this week. Íosagáin claimed their spot in the Senior ‘B’ Camogie decider with a 3-11 to 3-3 victory over Hazelwood College, Limerick at the semi-final stage, and they had reason for optimism ahead of their meeting with the Westmeath school.
POSITION
However, even though they were in contention during the early moments of the play, Íosagáin soon found themselves in a difficult position. With ace attacker Core leading their charge, Rochfortbridge registered four points without reply.
Indeed, thanks to goals by Katie Coleman and Core, Rochfortbridge brought a comprehensive 2-4 to 0-0 lead into the second period. This presented the gaelscoil with an uphill challenge after the break, and when Rochfortbridge added a brace of unanswered scores, it left Íosagáin with too much ground to make up.
Sinéad de Bhuilde finally opened Íosagáin’s account with a fine point, though, and while it wasn’t enough to spoil the party for Rochfortbridge, a 0-2 salvo from the hard-working Grace Ní Shé allowed them to finish the tie (and their memorable season) in a positive frame of mind.