Laurel Hill Secondary School Advances to All-Ireland Camogie Final

Limerick’s Laurel Hill Secondary School FCJ has secured its spot in the All-Ireland Junior ‘C’ Colleges final after a commanding victory over St Killian’s of Antrim. The match took place at the University of Limerick, where the Limerick team triumphed with a score of 2-15 to 0-2 earlier this month.

From the outset, Laurel Hill demonstrated dominance on the pitch, with a strong performance that saw them take control right from the first whistle. The team, led by key players such as Kate Daly, Cait O’Donoghue, Moyra O’Grady, and Emma O’Donnell, only allowed their opponents to score one point in the first half, finishing the period ahead by 0-5 to 0-1 despite playing into a challenging breeze.

The Limerick side’s work rate, particularly in the middle third of the field, was impressive. Players like Essie Hickey, Jane McGrath, and Claragh Collins played pivotal roles in maintaining pressure and creating scoring opportunities. Most of the scores during the first half came from the stick of Rosie McCaul, who was instrumental in both scoring and setting up plays, alongside contributions from Molly Gardiner and Hannah Murphy.

As the match progressed into the second half, Laurel Hill’s joint-captain Rosie McCaul continued to be a standout performer, contributing significantly from both play and placed balls. Fellow joint-captain Sophie O’Grady added two points, further solidifying the team’s lead. Following an injury to Molly Gardiner, substitute Orlaith Sheehan stepped up, scoring 1-2 and making a notable impact on the game.

The relentless effort from Milly O’Sullivan and later May O’Connell in the full forward line was crucial for Laurel Hill’s success in the second half. Their contributions helped secure the team’s place in the final, showcasing the depth of talent within the squad.

Laurel Hill Secondary School FCJ will now compete against St Wolstan’s Community School from Kildare in the All-Ireland final. The match is scheduled for March 15, 2024, at Johnstown GAA Club in Kilkenny, with a throw-in time set for 1:00 PM.

The Laurel Hill Camogie squad is as follows: Aisling Concannon (Cratloe), Kate Daly (Na Piarsaigh), Emily Gavin (Ballybrown), Cait O’Donoghue (Kildimo Pallaskenry), Aoibheann Kennedy (Doon), Emma O’Donnell (Patrickswell), Moyra O’Grady (Sixmilebridge), Essie Hickey (Truagh Clonlara), Jane McGrath (Crecora), Claragh Collins (Crecora), Rosie McCaul (Na Piarsaigh), Sophie O’Grady (Patrickswell), Molly Gardiner (Patrickswell), Milly O’Sullivan (Ballybrown), Hannah Murphy (Cratloe), Sienna Fahy (Na Piarsaigh), May O’Connell (Truagh Clonlara), Ella Jordan (Na Piarsaigh), Carys Nihill (Truagh Clonlara), Ellie Lavin (Na Piarsaigh), Ruth Collins (Na Piarsaigh), Orlaith Sheehan (Na Piarsaigh), Mary Buckley (Ballybrown), Áine McCormack (Ballybrown), Amber O’Connell (Truagh Clonlara), Lucy Lohan (Cratloe), Caoimhe Deely (Croagh Kilfinny), Juliette McKenna (Pallasgreen), Saoirse Reidy (Adare), Aoibhe McInerney (Adare), Rachel Barry (Treaty Gaels).

With the final approaching, anticipation builds around the team’s potential to achieve All-Ireland glory.