Coláiste Cholmcille power into Ulster final with commanding semi-final win

Coláiste Cholmcille booked their place in yet another Ulster Final with a comprehensive victory over Breifne College, Cavan, at Irvinestown’s Bawnacre on a cold but lively afternoon.

After a long lay-off since their quarter-final success, the Ballyshannon school showed no signs of rust as they took firm control from the throw-in. Early scores from Katie McMahon and Ciara Larkin set the tone as CCBS imposed themselves on proceedings.

While the Breifne College girls battled gamely throughout, they found chances hard to come by against a well-organised Coláiste Cholmcille defence. 

Mairead Murphy and Katie McGowan were particularly solid at the back, cutting off shooting opportunities, while Emily McNamee and Cadhlá Gillespie worked tirelessly to support the defence and deliver quality ball into the half-forward line.

That dominance was reflected on the scoreboard at the interval, with Coláiste Cholmcille leading by 2-7 to 1-2 at half-time.

Breifne College emerged with renewed purpose after the break and landed the opening three scores of the second half to briefly threaten a comeback. 

However, Coláiste Cholmcille responded with composure and control. Strong pressure on kick-outs from Rachel Gillespie, Andrea Moore and Grace McNelis Lee repeatedly forced turnovers, which were efficiently converted into scores at the other end.

From there, CCBS closed out the game confidently to record a deserved 10-point victory and seal their Ulster Final berth.

The Ulster Final is scheduled for January 8th with time and venue yet to be confirmed.

Congratulations to all the players, and to mentors Mrs Coleman and Mr Kenny for their continued hard work and dedication.

Coláiste Colmcille squad: Andrea Moore, Aoife Travers, Ciara Larkin, Emma Gilmartin, Émer McDevitt, Grace McNelis Lee, Jessica O'Mahoney, Zakia Shyabo, Áine Neilan, Cadhlá Gillespie, Éabha Rogers, Emily McNamee, Evie McGrath, Hannah Downey, Katie McGowan, Katie McMahon, Niamh Duffy, Rebecca Downey, Aoife Hughes, Caela Monaghan, Ellen Monaghan, Erin Gallagher, Faye Gillespie, Laoise Foy, Mairead Murphy, Niamh McGrath, Rachel Gillespie, Rihanna Reynolds.