Loreto Cavan completed a remarkable three-in-a-row of Lidl All Ireland Post Primary school Ladies’ Junior ‘A’ Football championship titles!
The Cavan school beating FCJ Bunclody in the National Games Development Centre, Abbotstown on Saturday afternoon writes Dean Goodison.
The champions were in irresistible form, mixing a sensational attacking performance with a masterclass in defending as a team.
FCJ Bunclody got off the perfect start, with Leah Roban speeding away on the right before rattling the net.
Roban quickly added a point but Loreto Cavan didn’t take long to respond. Kate Fagan landing a goal after a clean one-two with Katie O’Meara.
Points from Muireann Donohoe and Caitlin Crowe put Loreto ahead for the first time. The Ulster champions showed their devastating attacking quality again when O’Meara found the net, making it 2-2 to 1-1 after eight minutes.
The blistering scoring start was never likely to continue but Bunclody did respond with a second goal. Roban turning provider for Aoife Somers to crash past Abby McDermott.
Loreto Cavan didn’t blink as Donohoe, Eimear Gannon and Donohoe all tacked on points to move their school 2-7 to 2-1 ahead.
Yet FCJ kept their opponents scoreless for the last eleven minutes of the half. Hannah Lawless point leaving five between them at half-time.
Another good start was needed for FCJ to stay in touch with the Cavan School.
Maura Doyle sent Emily Roban into the clear for another superbly finished goal in the 32nd minute.
Loreto college response
However, Loreto Cavan hit right back. Katie McGahern and Brianna Quaile both clipped over points before the sensational O’Meara drilled home her second goal.
The Cavan school outscored FCJ 0-7 to 0-3 after their third goal.O’Meara bringing her tally to 2-5 with an outrageous point to see her school safely to a memorable third title-in-a-row.
Loreto Cavan: A McDermott; S Walsh, A Crowe, S Brennan; K McSeain, C Crowe, A McDwyer; K Fegan, M Sharkey; B Quaile, M Donohoe, E Gannon; K McGahern, K O’Meara, M Smith. Subs: C Smith for Gannon (46), Mai Donohoe for O’Meara (58).
Scorers: K O’Meara 2-5 (0-2f), M Donohoe 0-4, K Fegan 1-0, C Crowe, E Gannon, K McGahern 0-2 each, B Quaile 0-1.
FCJ Bunclody: A S Byrne; R Dwyer, S Kirwan, K Fitzpatrick; K Doyle, E Guinan, R Byrne; M Doyle, H Bolton-Lee; M Tobin-Cosgrave, L Roban, H Lawless; A Somers, O O’Rourke, E Roban. Subs: E Deegan for Fitzpatrick (48), E Murphy for Kirwan (58), L Nolan for Tobin-Cosgrave (58).
Scorers: L Roban, E Roban, A Somers 1-1 each, H Lawless, K Doyle 0-1 each.
Referee: Raymond McBride (Dublin).
