Mercy College come up just short
Despite their best attempts Mercy College lost out in the All Ireland Senior B Camogie final.
Kilkenny’s Coláiste Mhuire Johnstown were crowned Allianz All Ireland Post Primary Schools Senior B champions as their final quarter surge saw them deny Mercy College.
The winners, who saw Kilkenny camogie players Laura Murphy and Aoife Prendergast form part of their management team, outscored their opponents by 1-4 to 0-3 in the final quarter, with Aoibhe Bourke’s 57th minute goal proving decisive.
Coláiste Mhuire Johnstown started the opening half quicker as they raced into a 0-4 to no score advantage after 10 minutes. Michelle Killeen slotted over two close range frees while dangerous full forward Abigail Whitty also found the target from a neat Killeen pass.
The Kilkenny outfit were winning a great volume of ruck ball as their fourth score came from Laois U-16 hurler Sinéad Kirby. Mercy College needed a score to settle them into the contest and they found just that when centre forward Hazel Kelly arrowed over a placed ball to get the Roscommon side off the mark.
Then Mercy College struck in the 13th minute. After another ruck situation, Kelly raced onto possession and strode into space before firing to the back of the net. The Roscommon outfit enjoyed the momentum but crucially were not able to get in front during this period. Mia Henderson produced a fine stop to prevent Laura McSharry’s long range effort finding the net.
After Aoibhe Bourke came close to rattling the net for the Kilkenny side, she teed up Lillian Cleere, who rifled home for a crucial Coláiste Mhuire Johnstown goal. They almost added another after Killeen was brought down in the square, but Taylor Corbett saw her effort fly just wide of the mark.
Killeen and Síofra Hession traded efforts for their sides as Coláiste Mhuire Johnstown led 1-5 to 1-2 at the interval. Mercy College outscored their foes 1-2 to 0-1 in the first 12 minutes of the second half as Hazel Kelly bagged a quick 1-1 during this period.
Her goal came after a flowing team move which started when Anna Hussey won possession in her own full back line. In a frantic and enjoyable final half, Abigal Whitty levelled the contest in the 52nd minute before an Orla Brophy free moved the Kilkenny outfit in front.
Mercy College’s Kaitlin Egan struck over from deep to level the game before Bourke struck the crucial blow. Orla Brophy’s long range free broke to Bourke, who produced a stunning finish to the top left corner of the net.
Even though Mercy College poured forward and cut the deficit through an Egan score, efforts from Whitty and Taylor Corbett moved the champions four ahead. Lily Murray popped over a free for a gallant Mercy College side, but Coláiste Mhuire Johnstown held on to secure All Ireland glory.
*Report and reaction in Tuesday's Roscommon Herald*
