ALL-IRELAND final fever has descended on Coláiste Muire as they go in search of national glory this Friday.
Stradbally will host Friday’s All-Ireland Senior B decider between Coláiste Muire and Wicklow school Coláiste Bhríde with the encounter set to commence at 5pm. It had initially been due to be held a week previous but was delayed because of Storm Eunice.
It has been a memorable run to date for the Ennis school who collected provincial glory in Caherlohan when defeating St Mary’s Nenagh while they overcame Mountrath in the All-Ireland semi-final played in difficult conditions at Clarecastle.
Joint manager, Barry Donnellan told The Clare Echo they have a full panel to choose from for Friday’s final. With flags flying in the school, he said it has added to the excitement with confirmation of a venue earlier this week helping to focus the minds as they bid for All-Ireland glory.
Nine clubs are represented in the thirty six girl panel with the work done in this regard key to the school’s progression, Donnellan maintained. “The clubs in Clare are leading the charge, the improvement in schools and county teams is testament to the huge work going on within the club across Clare”.
He also acknowledged the contribution of staff colleagues both past and present such as Leo Quinlan, James Carmody and Niamh Ní Mhúire for their promotion of camogie in the Coláiste. Members of the current senior panel reached the Junior A final in 2019 going down to Cashel who are contesting the Senior A final this year.
While their 0-04 0-02 semi-final win represented a different challenge, the O’Callaghans Mills clubman referenced the “great scores” built up by their side throughout this season’s run. “We learned a lot from the All-Ireland semi-final and Munster Final, we would rather nothing else than those tough battles heading into the final”.
Both Barry and his fellow joint manager, Aidan McGuane a former Clare U21 hurler travelled to Castlecomer for the Leinster Final so they are versed on what Coláiste Bhríde will bring to the table including several Wexford players in their ranks. “Our focus is on getting our own house in order and getting a performance from our girls,” he added.
