Colleges Camogie- Late Brett winner helps Callan School to All-Ireland Final

They were level on five separate occasions in an enthralling All-Ireland semi-final replay but, in the end, it was Coláiste Abhainn Rí of Callan in Kilkenny who got the better of a spirited Laurel Hill Coláiste with a dramatic one-point win in Meelick last Saturday afternoon.

Goals from Aolbhín Ní Mhearáln and Poppy Nic Giolla tSeanáin weren't enough as the Limerick school suffered the heartbreaking defeat despite leading by three points at the half time break.

After Laurel Hill Coláiste took a 2-5 to 1-5 lead into the break, this Allianz All-Ireland Post-Primary Schools Championship 'Senior C' semi-final replay finished Coláiste Abhainn Rí 2-9, Laurel Hill Coláiste 2-8.

The Limerick side were well on top in opening quarter, leading 1-1 to 0-1 midway through the opening half thanks to a superb Poppy Nic Giolla tSeanáin goal after just four minutes.

The Adare club woman blasted into the top left hand corner of the net after a dazzling run through the Callan side's defence.
After securing a 2-08 to 1-11 draw in Kilkenny two weeks' ago, Laurel Hill Coláiste earned the right to host the replay.

Coláiste Abhainn Rí improved dramatically after their opening point came in the 15th minute when the impressive Molly Conroy got her first of four.

It was the visitors who took the game by the scruff of the neck in the second quarter after three Conroy points in a row swung the momentum in the Kilkenny side's favour before Ciara O'Shea drew the sides level.

However, points from Sarah Ní Fhreaghalle had Laurel Hill ahead once again.

Elly Holland had Callan level again in the 25th minute after the full forward raised the green flag from close range.

A late flurry of scores including a goal from Aolbhín Ní Mhearáln had Laurel Hill leading three points - 2-5 to 1-5 - at half time.

However, Callan outscored the Limerick school by 1-4 to 0-3 in the second half to secure the dramatic one-point win.

Aolbhín Ní Mhearáln had levelled the sides with two minutes to go, but Ava Brett slotted over the deciding point a minute later.

Coláiste Abhainn Rí, who had scored their second goal when Ciara O'Shea levelled the sides for the fourth time with 10 minutes to go, defended well in the final minutes to secure the one-point victory.

Coláiste Abhainn Rí now play Gort Community School in the All-Ireland 'Senior C' final.

Teams and Scorers

Coláiste Abhainn Rí, Callan: Ciara O'Shea 1-3; Molly Conroy 0-4; Elly Holland 1-0; Aisling O'Sullivan, Ava Brett 0-1 each

Laurel Hill Coláiste: Poppy Nic Giolla tSeanáin 1-3 (two frees); Aolbhín Ní Mhearáln 1-2, Sarah Ní Fhreaghalle 0-2, Laura Southern 0-1.

Coláiste Abhainn Rí: Jenny Saunders; Aolfe Power, Jessica Cuddy, Rachael O'Meara; Orlaith O'Shea, Nathania Jackson, Caoimhe Power; Emer Smith, Clara O'Shea; Molly Conroy, Ava Brett, Alsling O'Sullivan; Chloe O'Donovan, Elly Holland, Aisling O'Shea.

Subs used: Tara Cody for Power (47 mins)

Laurel Hill Coláiste: Sinéad de Brún; Bláithín Ni Loráln, Alsling Ní Annáln, Sadhbh Ní Shlurtáln; Ella Schasser, Orla Ní Rialn, Ava NicGahann; Poppy Nic Giolla tSeanáln, Elmear Ní Bheaghlaoch; Sarah Ní Fhreaghalle, Aolbhín Ní Mhearáln, Laura Southern; Clara Ní Naíonáln, Caollfhionn Ní Fhlacháin Ní Dhuibhir, Aelbhín Ní Uallacháin.

Subs used: Saoirse Ní Chathasaigh for Ní Fhlacháin Ní Dhuibhir (38 minutes), Caitlin Ní Riain for Ní Uallacháin (45 mins).