Coláiste Mhuire Johnstown surge takes them to All-Ireland glory - Kilkenny People Sport

Kilkenny school, Coláiste Mhuire Johnstown were crowned Allianz All Ireland Post Primary Schools Senior B champions as their final quarter surge saw them deny Roscommon’s 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. 

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, a green flag which proved to be pivotal at half-time as the Johnstown school led 1-5 to 1-2.

The Roscommon school outscored Coláiste Mhuire Johnstown 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. However, a second goal for the Johnstown team from Aoibhe Bourke with three minutes of normal time to play set Coláiste Mhuire Johnstown on their way to victory.

See full report in this week's People Sport

Coláiste Mhuire Johnstown: M Henderson; C Joyce, K Dwyer, E O’Connor; O Brophy, L Bergin, K Dunphy; S Kirby, C Townsend; L Cleere, M Killeen, C Kirby; A Bourke, A Whitty, T Corbett.

Mercy College: M Finneran; M Bolger, M White, C Killeen; A Hussey, G Geraghty, E Connaughton; L Murray, K Egan; S Hession, H Kelly, A Sutton; T O’Brien, L McSharry, SJ O’Connor.

Coláiste Mhuire Johnstown: M Killeen (0-4,3f), A Cleere, A Bourke (1-0 each), A Whitty (0-3), O Brophy (0-1f), S Kirby, T Corbett (0-1 each).

Mercy College: H Kelly (2-2, 0-1f), K Egan (0-3), L Murray (0-1f), S Hession (0-1).

Referee: D Cooke (Offaly).

READ ALSO: Loreto Kilkenny retain All-Ireland title with classy performance 

Hear post-match interviews on the Kilkenny People Sport Podcast below: