Primary Schools Finals: Colmcille's bounce back to clinch Div 1 title

GIRLS DIV 1

There was high drama in the closing seconds of this thrilling Girls Div 1 final as Caitlin Gavin struck a winning goal to secure the title for St Colmcille's at Gaelscoil Thulach na nOg's expense in Trim on Sunday morning.

Gaelscoil Thulach na nOg overturned a three point interval deficit to lead by 0-7 to 1-2 with seven minutes left. St Colmcille's struck a point from Kate Timmons and a goal from Meabh Arkins to lead by 2-3 to 0-7, but back came Gaelscoil Thulach na nOg again.

Ailaidh Ní Eidhin pointed and then she added a goal from a short point attempt to put Gaelscoil Thulach na nOg ahead again. The Dunboyne school thought they had it won, but Caitlin Gavin had the last word with just 22 seconds remaining.

Scores were scarce in the opening half and despite playing with the aid of a strong wind St Colmcille's were only 1-2 to 0-2 clear at the break and kicked nine wides in the opening 25 minutes.

Their opening score, after five minutes of intense pressure, was a scrambled goal with Kate Timmons turning away in celebration after appearing to get the final touch.

Gaelscoil Thulach na nOg responded impressively and moved the ball up the field with Aobha Linn Nic Thiarnáin denied a goal by a fine save from Heidi Hannon before Méabh Ní Ruanaidh converted a free after the danger wasn't cleared.

St Colmcille's used the wind to go effect with Meabh Arkins and Caitlin Gavin pointing brilliantly, but Gaelscoil Thulach na nOg stayed in the game with Caragh Ní Riain on target.

St Colmcille's kicked wide after wide and were denied a second goal when Aoife Ní Mheallaigh made a fine save to keep out Gavin's shot and ensure the score remained 1-2 to 0-2 at the break.

Gaelscoil Thulach na nOg came storming back with the wind at their backs. The outstanding Ailaidh Ní Eidhin found her range to close the gap with a brace of points. Caragh Ní Riain made it 0-5 to 1-2 with a shot from a crowd before a free from Méabh Ní Ruanaidh and one from Ailaidh Ní Eidhin gave Gaelscoil a 0-7 to 1-2 lead - but then came all the drama as St Colmcille's struck late to claim the crown.

St Colmcille's SNS - Heidi Hannon; Solomia Achkevych, Sadie Harte, Laoise Beirne; Laoise Carry Lynch, Grace Farrelly, Érin Smith Forde; Cuisle Rogers, Neasa Tinnelly; Meabh Sheridan, Kate Timmons (1-1), Caitlin Gavin (1-1); Maggie Grimes, Méabh Arkins (1-1), Millie Kelly. Subs - Aoife Rogers, Sadie Morris, Erika Clarke, Mollie Farrell, Mary Farrelly, Ailbhe Beirne, Lana Drempetic, Eve Fowler, Laoise Balfe, Annabel Murray, Chloe Inglis, Edith Gartland, Emily Henry, Sophie Blackburn, Clodagh Tobin, Colleen Tevlin, Hollie Donnelly, Erin Caffrey, Mae Delaney, Sally Callaghan, Clodagh Carpenter, Beth Flanagan, Sophie Murray, Cara Muldoon, Gloria Conaty, Cara Wilson. Mentors - Caroline O’Rorke, Laura Halpin, Gemma Clarke.

Gaelscoil Thulach na nOg - Aoife Ní Mheallaigh; Niamh Ní Mhuirí, Eryn Ní Mhaoileoin, Eabha Ní Sheoinín; Muireann Ní Laoi, Ailaidh Ní Eidhin (1-4), Doireann Ní Dhubhda; Laragh Ní Fhinn, Caragh Ní Riain (0-2); Aobha Linn Nic Thiarnáin, Méabh Ní Ruanaidh (0-2 frees), Alana Nowak; Aoibhe Hollingsworth, Chloe Ní Bhrádaigh, Doireann Nic Aogáin. Subs - Elsie Kedward, Jenna Nic Gabhann Elgendy, Caragh Pendred, Cadhla Ní Mhurchú, Oonagh Ní Sheanáin, Kate Ní Mhurchú, Siún Ní Mhurchadha, Emma Ní Mhuineacháin, Maise Ní Bhriain, Molly Ní Bhriain, Emily Ní Chróinín, Fiadh Nic an Gheairr, Emily Ní Ghlionn, Rachel Ní Mhaoilbheannachta, Ciara Ní Chaisín. Mentors - Katie O'Brien, Niamh De Brún.

Referee - Kevin Higgins (St Mary’s NS, Trim).