Heartbreak once more for Coláiste Cholmcille, Ballyshannon side in Ulster final

After losing the final last year by two points to Coláiste na Carraige, Coláiste Cholmcille, Ballyshannon again suffered heartbreak with a one point loss after extra-time against Inver College, Carrickmacross at Donagh on Thursday.

After battling back from nine points down five minutes into the second half, the Ballyshannon girls forced extra-time with a late goal from Katie McGowan.

A goal from their best player Rachel Gillespie helped them to a two point lead in the first period of extra-time but Inver College hit back with the only score of the second period, a goal from their best player Orlaith Hoey and that was enough for victory.

Both sides struggled with a jersey clash throughout but despite that this was a very closely contested game. The Monaghan side’s slightly more aggressive manner was probably the difference although the Ballyshannon girls had enough chances to win the game. 

It was Inver’s ability to start each half and extra-time better which ultimately decided this game. They led by 2-1 to no score after the first 10 minutes, goals from Orlaith Hoey and Grace Elliott and the opening point from Sophie Hoey from a free.

Coláiste Cholmcille settled after that and the introduction of Faye Gillespie was central to their recovery. She set up Grace McNelis Lee for their opening score, a goal and Gillespie then added a point.

Coming up to half-time Faye Gillespie almost had a second Coláiste goal before Ciara Larkin won and pointed a free for the final score of the half to leave it Coláiste Cholmcille 1-2, Inver College 2-1 at the break.


The captains Ciara Larkin and Dionne Kindlon with referee Gearard Treanor

The Monaghan college introduced Carla Kelly at half-time and she was involved in everything in the opening minutes of the new half. She finished a goal then pointed a free before setting up Orlaith for a fourth goal.

Coláiste hit back with a Ciaran Larkin point and a goal from the impressive Ellen Monaghan, who was also introduced at the break.

Then came a controversial moment as Inver College hit a fifth goal, but it looked clear that Emer Callan was in the square as she contested with Erin Gallagher, the Ballyshannon ‘keeper. The goal was allowed to stand and Sophie Hoey added a point to put nine points between the sides.

But then Coláiste Cholmcille began to fight back. Ciara Larkin kicked a free and Faye Gillespie was just over the crossbar with another effort. With six minutes left Larkin found Andrea Moore to finish to the net. Faye Gillespie followed up with a point and the margin was down to three.

Then with time almost up Faye Gillespie did the spadework and sent in a dangerous ball and in the scramble Katie McGowan got a touch to level the game.

In the first period of extra-time Katie McMahon had a great goal chance before Carla Kelly pushed Inver ahead from a free. But back came Coláiste with a point from Rachel Gillespie and a goal from Faye Gillespie. Emer Callan had the final score of the opening period of extra-time to leave the Ballyshannon girls two ahead.

But disaster struck at the start of the second period of extra-time with Orlaith Hoey getting in behind the Ballyshannon defence to strike what proved to be the match-winning goal.

The Coláiste girls tried all they could to get back on terms but the physically strong Monaghan side shut up shop and held on for the win.

Apart from the two Gillespies, best for Coláiste Cholmcille were Zakia Shyabo, Katie McGowan, Mariead Murphy, Ciara Larkin, Ellen Monaghan and Laoise Foy.

Coláiste Cholmcille scorers: Faye Gillespie 1-3; Katie McGowan, Andrea Moore, Ellen Monaghan, Grace McNelis Lee 1-0 each; Ciara Larkin 0-3,2f; Rachel Gillespie 0-1.

Inver College scorers: Orlaith Hoey 3-0; Carla Kelly 1-2,2f; Emer Callan 1-1; Grace Elliott 1-0; Sophie Hoey 0-2,1f.

Coláiste Cholmcille: Erin Gallagher; Emer McDevitt, Zakia Shyabo, Jessica O’Mahoney; Emma Gilmartin, Katie McGowan, Mairead Murphy; Emily McNamee, Cádhla Gillespie; Aoife Travers, Ciara Larkin, Andrea Moore; Rachel Gillespie, Katie McMahon, Grace McNelis Lee.

Subs: Faye Gillespie, Ellen Monaghan, Laoise Foy, Aodhbha O’Donnell.

Inver College: Grace Callan; Moya Ward, Dionne Kindlon, Jessica Rooney; Molly McEneaney, Aimee Freeman, Caitlyn Markey; Michelle Carton, Martha O’Rourke; Erin Conlon, Sophie Hoey, Emer Callan; Orlaith Hoey, Caillin Mahon, Grace Elliott.

Subs: Sophie Connolly, Carla Kelly, Laoise Shannon.

Referee: Gerard Treanor (Tyrone)