Facing tough competition from all corners of Ireland, they went on to claim the coveted All-Ireland title, making their families, school and community proud.
St. Mary’s Secondary School, Charleville, Co. Cork…………….3-6
Assumption Grammar School, Ballynahinch, Co. Down……….2-3
On an exciting day of Camogie last Wednesday week, at the Co. Meath GAA Centre of Excellence, St. Mary’s Charleville, the Munster champions, participated in the All-Ireland 7’s blitz. They faced Assumption Ballynahinch of Ulster and Heywood College of Leinster, winning both games to top their group and secure a spot in the All-Ireland final.
The journey to the final was nothing short of thrilling, with exceptional inputs from Caoimhe O’Connor, Cara Hickey and Muireann Buckley to get us over the line. The final showdown against Assumption Ballynahinch was undoubtedly the highlight of the day. Aoibheann Morrissey was a strong presence on the goal line, making crucial saves and side steps to keep the opposition at bay. The duo of Ballyhea’s Saoirse Morrissey and Granagh/Ballingary’s Aoife Morrissey, provided a solid defensive backbone, frustrating Assumption’s attacking efforts.
St. Mary’s Charleville entered halftime facing a significant deficit, trailing by six points. Bodies were tired as they were on the back of two intensely physical games. Our midfielders Faye Ronan, Orla Troy and Lauren McAuliffe played a pivotal role in controlling the game and transitioning from defence to attack. Their efforts were instrumental in the team’s comeback.
At the beginning of the 1st half the game ebbed and flowed but the team’s ability to regroup and mount a comeback in the second half showcased their resilience. The forward line of Ava McDonogh and Lexie O’ Halloran, led by Captain Niamh Gammell, displayed great skill and deter-mination in front of the opponent’s goal.
Despite the initial setback in the 1st half, St. Mary’s displayed exceptional heart and they fought back with incredible intensity and teamwork. At critical moments in the 2nd half, St. Mary’s were awarded some vital frees, providing them with a chance to narrow the gap. With nerves of steel, our sharpshooter, Orla Troy, stepped up and accurately slotted the ball over the bar on more than one occasion, earning crucial points for the team. In the last 5 minutes, with the game in the melting pot, our girls stuck two goals to the back of the Ballynahinch net and with that they secured the All Ireland 7s Camogie title.
Well done to Roísín Herlihy, Ava Mulcahy, Irene O’ Neill and Melanie Hayes who played a crucial part is getting this team to the All-Ireland. St. Mary’s Charleville is rightfully proud of this remarkable achievement, and it serves as a testament to the dedication of the players and the hard work that everyone put in to get us this far. The final was a true test of endurance and character for the players, who gave their all to secure victory.
The support of the parents, who were present in great numbers at the match, was truly heart-warming and added to the electric atmosphere of the day. Congratulations to the team for their well-deserved victory!
Thank you goes to all the parents, families, friends, staff and supporters of St. Mary’s who gave us a heroes welcome on our return home. Thank you also to Davy O’Callaghan who organised a fire truck escort through the town!