CAMOGIE: ALL-IRELAND SENIOR ‘B’ FINAL
Colaiste Iosagain fall just short after brave effort
Daire Walsh
THEY produced a typically committed performance at Jenkinstown, Kilkenny on Tuesday but for the second year in succession, Coláiste Íosagáin came up just short in the All-Ireland Schools Senior ‘B’ Camogie Championship final.
In last year’s showpiece at Donaghmore/Ashbourne, Íosagáin were defeated by Leinster rivals St Joseph’s, Rochfortbridge. St Angela’s Ursuline of Waterford provided the opposition on this occasion, in a decider that was twice postponed because of adverse weather conditions.
Initially set to take place in Ballykelly, this game was instead held at the home of Conahy Shamrocks GAA. A narrow triumph over Abbey CC, Ferrybank in the penultimate rounds ensured that Angela’s were battle-hardened for their encounter against the Dublin champions.
With the Fitzgerald sisters – Annie and Aoife – leading the way, the Deise girls found themselves eight points in front (2-2 to 0-0) during the early exchanges. Íosagáin finally opened their account through Sinéad de Bhuilde (two) and Gráinne Ní Dhrisceoil, before Saoirse Mai rattled the back of the Angela’s net.
The outstanding de Bhuilde kept the Booterstown school ticking over, but they were struggling to rein in the challenge of their Munster rivals. When the half-time whistle sounded, they were facing into a six-point deficit (1-9 to 4-6).
A Niamh Nic Cormaic goal acted as the perfect tonic on the resumption for Ciarán Ó Murchú’s side, who included six Ballinteer St John’s players in their starting line-up. Cuala attacker De Bhuilde was a key performer throughout for the southsiders and she was subsequently named player of the match.
After Angela’s regained control of the play, Michelle Ní Chiardha added a third goal for Íosagáin in the latter stages to keep matters interesting. Although they ultimately succumbed to a 5-14 to 3-14 reversal, it has been another memorable campaign for the spirited Gaelscoil.