St Declan’s Kilmacthomas 1-10 - 2-4 Ardscoil Mhuire Ballinasloe
St Declan’s Kilmacthomas were the first-ever winners when this All-Ireland competition was introduced 12 years ago. On Sunday in Johnstown, they became the first school to collect the trophy on two occasions when Waterford senior star Niamh Rockett guided them to a 1-10 to 2-4 victory over Ardscoil Mhuire Ballinasloe.
Rockett was the captain in 2011 when St Declan's lifted their first title.
The damage was really done in the opening minute when Kaci Brazil hit the net for St Declan’s in their first attack. Bevin Bowden (45) and Hannah McGrath quickly added points before Ballinasloe could get a foothold in the game.
The Connacht champions defended well for the next 12 minutes and eventually, Leah Campbell got the scoreboard moving with a point from a free.
However, Bowdren added three more points (two frees) before Sophie Flynn raised Ardscoil Mhuire’s hopes with a goal a minute from the break, leaving the Waterford side 1-5 to 1-1 ahead.
When Flynn’s high ball went all the way to the Kilmacthomas net four minutes into the second half, it was very much game on at 2-2 to 1-6.
Sub Aisling Bonnar hit back with a point and over the next 15 minutes, Ava Fitzpatrick (two) and Kaci Brazil stretched their side’s lead to four.
Although Leah Campbell’s free in the 51st minute left just one score between them, St Declan’s defence held out to lift the title.
St Declan’s: K Brazil (1-1), B Bowden (0-4, 3 frees), A Fitzpatrick (0-2), H McGrath (0-1), O Kirwan (0-1), A Bonnar (0-1).
Ardscoil Mhuire: S Flynn (2-0), L Campbell (0-4, 3 frees).
