St Dominic's College 4-9, St Anne's CC: 2-7
As the man says: ‘The scoreline tells a different story’. It was a closely fought contest and once again, the tenacious spirit of this team prevailed.
There is one word that sums up these girls: Honesty. They are as genuine as the day is long and they never stop playing for each other. There was a ten minute spell in the second half when minds switched off momentarily due to a contagious outbreak of cramp - but they got it back and when St Anne’s pulled to within one point with about 7 minutes to go, questions were asked... and answered: ‘Not today; we’re not losing today!’
There are some incredibly gifted hurlers and athletes on that team. And although stars like Jody and Gaby Couch, Niamh Donlon and Eimear Murphy, kept the scoreboard ticking over with some important scores, it was Molly Turner, at centre-back, that won us the game. She stopped three certain scoring chances, one with an incredibly brave block at a time in the second half when momentum was with St Anne’s. Molly is a half-forward and has played out of position all year for the good of the team - it’s an incredibly important role but rarely attracts the plaudits it deserves. Hats off to Molly.
To all the teachers, parents, management and care-taking staff that came to support, in great and much appreciated numbers, this team is the fruit of all the work you’ve put into these great people over the years. To everyone who cheered them on, brought food, or sent messages of support - thank you.
Finally, to a string of variables: the final is down for two weeks time (Sat 22nd but date may change due to HPAT), venue to be confirmed but it will not be Dublin. The opposition is either Trim or Dungannon who replay next weekend.
And so, the train steams on to its final destination. One stop left on the journey.
News report by Mr Sweetman