ALL-IRELAND CHAMPS

Colm Shalvey reports

Coláiste Oiriall, Monaghan made history in Longford last Friday when their senior girls won the school’s first All-Ireland title with an impressive victory over Mount Saint Michael, Claremorris. The game was level at half-time, but the Oiriall girls won the second half by 2-8 to 0-2, hitting an unanswered 2-5 from the 38th minute on. Alannah Ní Chorragáin’s goal, which finally put some daylight between the teams, was a game-changer as Coláiste Oiriall took control.

Coláiste Oiriall had leaders in every line of the pitch, including Orna Ní Cheallaigh in goals, Uainín Ní Chongaile and Áine Ní Dhufaigh in defence and tireless midfield duo Bríd Nic An Fhailí and Leah Ní Chuinneagáin. The halfforward line of Kerrie-Anne Breathnach, Hannah Nic Uaid and Ní Chorragáin hit a combined 2-6 from play, while Éabha Ní Shearraigh was an effective focal point to the Coláiste Oiriall attack.

The omnipresent Scarlett Ní Earáin helped shut down the Mount Saint Michael forwards in the opening stages, before excelling in a more advanced role as the game progressed. Mount Saint Michael were first off the mark through Bree Hession, but Coláiste Oiriall (who had seen Hannah Nic Uaid go close to a first-minute goal) quickly moved through the gears with a burst of four unanswered points. Kerrie-Anne Breathnach got the Monaghan Gaelscoil off the mark, before Alannah Ní Chorragáin linked up with Leah Ní Chuinneagáin to open her account. Uainín Ní Chongaile intercepted the following kick-out to set up Nic Uaid to double their lead, before Ní Chorragáin turned provider with a high ball in that saw Éabha Ní Shearraigh curl…