See our “Future Leaders Features” for how teams partaking in The Lufthansa Clare PPS Competitons have got on so far…

Future Leaders Feature – TY Students, St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Spanish Point

Spanish Point Secures Historic Munster Title in Thrilling Encounter

Tuesday, February 4th, was a day for the history books at St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Spanish Point. Against a backdrop of swirling winds at Mallow GAA complex, their Senior Ladies football team overcame a determined Coláiste na Sceilge side in a nail-biting Munster Post Primary School Senior B final.

Playing with the aid of a strong breeze in the first half, Spanish Point started brightly, racing into a four-point lead courtesy of Ellie Hanrahan (2), Aoibhinn Ryan, and Simone Considine. However, Coláiste na Sceilge quickly demonstrated their resilience, responding with a goal direct from a 21-yard free. The West Kerry school settled into the game, and the two teams traded points. A brilliant solo run from Allisha Ryan yielded another score for Spanish Point, but the West Clare girls then showcased their teamwork with a stunning goal. Starting with a crucial defensive play from fullback and captain Niamh Miller, the ball was swiftly moved upfield by Abi Kelly, culminating in a powerful and precise finish to the net by Ellie Hanrahan.

Coláiste na Sceilge refused to yield, and their centre forward, Siun Fitzgerald, responded with a fine point. The Kerry side then applied intense pressure on the Spanish Point kickouts, forcing turnovers. However, Mia Conway, the Spanish Point goalkeeper from Doonbeg, proved equal to the challenge, producing a magnificent fingertip save to deny Coláiste a goal. The final ten minutes of the first half were a rip-roaring contest, full of excitement for the large traveling support from both schools. Just before the break, Coláiste na Sceilge rattled the Spanish Point net again, with full forward Vilte Paulauskaite finishing superbly into the top corner. Spanish Point responded immediately. Kayla Darcy’s shot rattled the post, but Ide O’ Connor was on hand to slot home the rebound, leaving the halftime score at 2-5 to 2-1 in favor of Spanish Point.

Despite their lead, Spanish Point knew they had a tough second half ahead, facing into the teeth of the wind. They had also squandered several goal chances in the first half, created by surging runs from Allisha Ryan and Abi Kelly, which could have given them a more comfortable advantage.

Coláiste na Sceilge emerged after the break with renewed vigor, scoring two quick points through Siún Fitzgerald and Mary O Shea. Spanish Point, however, displayed immense resilience under relentless pressure. Leah Darcy made a crucial, goal-saving block to thwart a promising Coláiste attack. Against the odds, Ellie Hanrahan broke Spanish Point’s scoring drought with a fantastic free from distance, after excellent work from Abi Kelly. This score seemed to settle the nerves of the West Clare girls, fueling their determination.

The game remained a tense, back-and-forth affair. Abi Kelly then embarked on another powerful run, taking on multiple Kerry defenders before being fouled near the 13-yard line. Hanrahan once again stepped up and calmly slotted the ball over the bar. Moments later, Allisha Ryan added another point with a brilliant run and finish.

Coláiste na Sceilge were then reduced to 14 players when their corner back received a 10-minute sin bin for a yellow card. Undeterred, the Kerry side continued to battle. Spanish Point then suffered a setback of their own when Clodagh Mescall was sin-binned for an illegal tackle.

Late in the game, referee Mike Sheehan awarded a penalty to Coláiste na Sceilge. In a tactical switch, Spanish Point’s Aoife Martin moved into goal, and her gamble paid off as Paulauskaite’s penalty sailed narrowly wide.

With the game on a knife-edge, Ellie Hanrahan stepped up once more, her late point proving to be the decisive score. Spanish Point defended heroically in the dying minutes, with Niamh Miller, Simone Considine, and Abi Kelly making vital carries forward. As the final whistle blew, and after Abi Kelly pressured Sarah Murphy into another wide, the celebrations erupted. St. Joseph’s Spanish Point had secured a historic Munster B championship title, their first in 20 years.

This momentous victory sends St. Joseph’s Spanish Point into the All-Ireland B semi-final, where they will face the winners of the Connacht championship.

 

Future Leaders Feature – Amy Killeen, Colaiste Muire, Ennis, Co.Clare

Future Leaders Feature – Aoibheann Moore, Rice College, Ennis, Co.Clare

January 21st 2024. The big day had finally arrived, our 16.5’s Munster Final against Carrignavar Cork. The team had been carefully selected and were ready to get on the bus at 9:40. The girls togged out and started their warm up and stretch. Throw in was 11:30 and in the first 5 minutes Jessica Coffey scored a lovely goal, closely followed by Sophie Haugh. As the game continued the atmosphere intensified, leading to a few more shoves than there had been previously. By half time the score was 3:5- 0:2 which gave us the upper hand for the second half. Sheena Beirnes played a mighty game, scoring a huge amount for the team. The girls gave it there absolute all and in the end we came out on top. We are beyond delighted as this is our first time winning a Munster Final for Rice College Camogie. A huge well done to Carrignavar Cork too for coming up, they played a good game and it deserves to be acknowledged. The team also could not have done it without the amazing coaches Mr. Brooks and Ms. Healy. They have put in so much time and effort to helping the team because the best it can be so a massive thanks to them all. Finally of course a huge congratulations to the panel, The school and supporters are so proud of all of them. We hope that this is only the start of something big for them