Top class Pres Kilkenny are national soccer champions!

The Presentation Secondary School swept aside Coláiste na Coiribe, Gaillimh to lift the FAI Schools Senior Girls' National Cup.

Two first half goals from Captain Sophie Meagher and Katie Grace a second senior title for the Kilkenny crew, the last one coming five years ago.

They’re also the second Kilkenny school to lift national silverware with Grennan College, Thomastown doing similar in the John Murphy Cup last week in Cahir.

It was a highly entertaining encounter in Athlone, with some brilliant physical battles throughout the park.

The Leinster contenders took the lead midway through the first half with a fabulous individual effort from Meagher. The youngster set up a free-kick 25 yards out from the Galway goal, which looped over the head of ’keeper Gráinne Ní Fhéinne for a smashing opener.

Olivia Dunphy came close to doubling her side’s tally eight minutes later with a superbly struck set piece on the edge of the box but it just curled over the upright.

With two minutes of the half remaining, Katie Grace tapped home at the far post after Emily Phelan delivered a high ball into the six yard box.

Coláiste na Coiribe were a much better unit in the second half with a few chances to convert but unfortunately for them, the ball wouldn’t fall properly to bring them back into the game. Sophie Keane, Caitlin Seoige and Niamh Flaherty impressed for the runners-up.

Presentation Kilkenny were deserved winners, with a fluid performance throughout the eighty minutes. Emily and Rachel Phelan, Meadhbh Doherty, Olivia Dunphy and the goal-scorers were value for money with some brilliant passages of play.

Caroline Ní Ghriofa’s team will brush themselves off and focus on the Junior Girls Connacht Cup which sees them pipped against rivals Presentation College, Athenry in two weeks’ time in the provincial decider.

Likewise, the Kilkenny outfit will entertain Kingswood Community College in their provincial contest that same week. We could have a repeat of this fixture at under-17 level in early March if the two teams advance.

Presentation SS, Kilkenny - Ellie Moran, Niamh Davis, Aoibhe Ryan, Hannah Griffey, Tara Roche, Sophie Meagher (captain), Emily Phelan, Olivia Dunphy, Meadhbh Doherty, Rachel Phelan, Katie Grace. Subs: Ellen Tracey for Doherty, 78 mins; Kate Ryan for E Phelan, 78 mins; Kate Dalton for Davis, 78 mins; Anna Morrissey, Maria Ryan, Roisin Foley, Isabelle Carroll, Ellie Barron, Emily Doyle.

Teachers: Peter Fitzgerald, Orlaith Conlon. Coach: Ray Meagher.

Coláiste na Coiribe, Gaillimh - Gráinne Ní Fhéinne, Jasmine Tracy, Jessica Talbot, Zainab Rather, Amelia Lynch Spellman, Bróna Ní Ghairbhith, Molly Nic Aodha, Kassie Rather (captain), Sophie Keane, Niamh Flaherty, Caitlin Seoighe. Subs: Katie Nic an Adhaistír for Flaherty, 76 mins; Gaia Menarini for Keane, 76 mins; Isabelle Mooney for K Rather, 78 mins; Ornaith Ní Iarnaín, Emily Kavanagh, Neasa Ní Ghairibh, Jenna Rose Carroll, Saorla Crowe.

Teacher: Caroline Ní Ghriofa. Coach: Gerry Carroll.

Referee - Damien Conlon (Westmeath).