Co Schools Camogie Final

Kilruane N.S. 7-1 Powerstown N.S. 1-0

Kilruane National School won a county camogie title for the first time when they overcame Powerstown N.S. in Semple Stadium on last Tuesday. Kilruane had qualified for the county quarter final of this competition by winning a blitz in Ardcroney, involving the host school and teams from Gurtagarry, Boher and Carrig. In the county quarter final they were without the services of their prolific scorer Alanna Morris but still recorded a great victory against Annacarty in the Ragg. In the semi-final they pulled off another great win against Drom in Toomevara. It was off then to Semple Stadium to face Powerstown N.S. from Clonmel, a school situated in the catchment area of the Moyle Rovers club.

Kilruane played into the scoreboard end in the first half and immediately went on the attack. It came as no surprise when star forward Alanna Morris found the net to send Kilruane into the lead. Kilruane were dominating possession but found scoring difficult. Alanna Morris was having a great battle with Powerstown’s best player who was playing full back. Powerstown levelled the game when they found the net from a close in free. Alanna Morris put the girls in black and white back into the lead with her second goal. She soon added a point as she began to get the better of her opponent. Grace O Brien prevented a certain goal when she deflected a shot out for a sixty five. At the interval Kilruane led on a scoreline of 2-1 to 1-0.

On the resumption Kilruane continued to dominate. Lianne O Kelly was unbeatable at full back. Captain Maria Hogan was absolutely magnificent on the half back line and hoovered up an amount of ball. Holly O Brien got better as the game went on and delivered in quality ball to the forwards. The tactic of isolating Alanna Morris on the inside line was now paying rich dividends. She now began to find her feet and rattled in six second half goals. Kilruane finished the game strongly to record a historic victory.

This was a great team triumph with the key players providing great leadership. Grace O Brien has had busier afternoons in the goals but she has had a marvellous year and is a very talented and skillful player. Lianne O Kelly has been one of the most valuable players on the team during the campaign. In several matches she successfully marked the opposition’s key player and in the county final she gave a superb display. Captain Maria Hogan was simply outstanding and drove her team forward at every opportunity. Amy Quinlisk was a very dependable defender all season and gave very little latitude to her opponent.

Holly O Brien dominated midfield showed delightful touches all through. Katie Quinlisk reserved her best display for the final and moved great ball into the forwards. Laura Tierney played her supporting role to perfection at midfield using the ground ball to great effect. Alanna Morris was absolutely brilliant and took the scoring honours. She showed a great appetite for work although two opponents often shadowed her. Simone Rotani and Emma Kenneally were two ideal wing forwards. The left the space for Alanna and delivered the ball quickly into her. In the second half Ruth Kenneally, Emily Healy, Eleanor Percy, Emily Healy and Laura Dwyer were all introduced and were delighted to sample the action on the famed Semple Stadium sod.

After the game Aodhan Wrenn, secretary of Cumann na mBunscoil presented the trophy to worthy captain Maria Hogan. Photographer Bridget Delaney was on hand to take the photos of the jubilant winners. This was a fantastic occasion for the girls and the school. They enjoyed the experience of playing on the most famous hurling field in Ireland where legends of the game such as Eoin Kelly, Sean Og O hAilpin and Henry Sheflin have displayed their vast array of skills.

Thanks to Maria O Brien, Mary Hogan and Denise Morris who helped out on the day and Damien Slevin who supplied the team with Tipperary water.

This was the third county title won by Kilruane. In 2001 the hurling team won and in 2005 the seven-a-side team was successful.

Team: Grace O Brien, Lianne O Kelly, Amy Quinlisk, Maria Hogan (Capt), Holly O Brien, Katie Quinlisk, Laura Tierney, Simone Rotani, Emma Kenneally and Alanna Morris.

Subs: Ruth Kenneally, Emily Healy, Eleanor Percy, Emily Grace and Laura Dwyer.

Scorer: Alanna Morris 7-1