to a very high level.The girls from Lorreto College Bray led this final at half time 2-5 to Scoil Chonglais 1-4. In the second half Scoil Chonglais girls lifted there game and with Sarah Fennelly and Hannah Dowling winning the midfield

they started to create many  scoring chances  for there forwards Helena Dowling, Ciara Hennessy and Ciara Lawlor. Loretto College had  outstanding performances from Alanna Conroy, Sheona Michel, Eimer Molloy and Jessica Conway.

Final Score: Scoil Chonglais 4-10  Lorreto Bray 2-8

St. Kevin’s Dunlavin 1-10 Colaiste Bhride Carnew 0-12

The Wicklow Post Primary Schools Senior Boys football final was played in Aughrim on Friday evening 4th May at 5.00pm. It proved a very tightly contested affair and was only decided by the narrowest of margins between two schools with a great pedigree in this competition – St.Kevin’s have won the title 11 times since 1974, their last in 2009, with Colaiste Bhride collecting the honours since then and going for three in a row this year. The Carnew school started with a strong breeze and opened the scoring with a point from half forward Michael Rock in the first minute. This was followed by great score from midfield by Stephen Murphy, while a minute later his partner in that position Keith Farrell saw his shot saved by Darragh Figgis in the Dunlavin goal, who continued to perform heroics all evening. Another point from a free by Sean Mulligan saw Carnew up 0-3 to no score, as they seemed to impose themselves on the game and Dunlavin struggled to find a rhythm. They did have a shot on goal through Dylan Waters put out for a 45, but the resulting ball was sent in low and dealt with by the Carnew defence. John Fleming and Sean Roche added scores for Colaiste Bhride after some good passing movements before finally St.Kevins got on the scoreboard with a free from Steven Kearney leaving it 0-5 to 0-1 after ten minutes. This was the beginning of a Dunlavin revival and a great ball in was tipped over the crossbar by Sean Geoghegan for another point. Barry Miley was beginning to make good runs from half back while Conor Healy also began to have much more of the ball at centre forward. Michael O’Connor at full forward took a great score for St.Kevin’s while Steven Murphy pointed a free for Carnew at the other end to leave it 0-6 to 0-3 after 20 minutes and this is how it remained until the interval as both sides spurned valuable chances. Carnew saw the ball go wide after a scramble in front of the St.Kevin’s goal while Dunlavin could have gone in level at the break if they had converted a number of wides.
Dunlavin began the second half at a blistering pace and registered two good points, one from Michael O’Connor and another from Daniel Dawson at midfield who began to exert a much greater influence on the game in the second half. Carnew replied with a well taken score from Wayne Kinsella and a point from a Sean Mulligan free. The Dunlavin backs now came under sustained pressure from the Carnew attack until Darragh Figgis in goal pulled off two magnificent saves to deny both Sean Mulligan and John Fleming. Mulligan responded with another pointed free and it took some time before Paul Murtagh came from midfield to take a great score for St.Kevin’s, making it 0-9 to 0-6 in favour of Colaiste Bhride ten minutes after the restart. The game entered an almost fallow period as much time was delayed with several injuries, before Sean Roche made an excellent run and added another point for Carnew. Dunlavin remained prodigal in terms of taking chances with a number of wides and balls dropped short, but substitute Eoin Murtagh appeared to have a rallying influence and Michael O’Connor took a great score after a well delivered free in from Paul Murtagh. Now it was the turn of the Carnew defence to come under immense pressure with their keeper Bob Fitzgerald making a great save. A free in was converted by Michael O’Connor after a scramble in front of goal, reducing the margin to just two 0-8 to 0-10. Then Daniel Dawson forced an excellent save from Fitzgerald but the resulting loose ball was kicked to the back of the net by Sean Geogegan to put Dunlavin in the lead for the first time with barely five minutes remaining in ordinary time. Two more pointed frees from Steven Kearney and cool headed substitute Timmy Metcalfe left St.Kevin’s ahead 1-10 to 0-10 in stoppage time, but the drama was not over as Carnew added a point, and then forced a tremendous match winning save from Darragh Figgis after a great shot from Sean Roche. Another great run from Roche led to a converted free as stoppage time rolled on and Dunlavin were forced to live on their nerves. They managed to hold out for a memorable victory and as referee Denis O’Reilly blew the final whistle it was St.Kevin’s 1-10, Colaiste Bhride 0-12. The Martin Gleeson cup was presented to captain Jamie Miley by Brian Breen, incoming chairman on behalf of Coiste na Iarbhunscoileanna. Thanks to Jim Murphy, Post Primary Schools coordinator for all his organisation and to the County Board for use of the excellent facilities at Aughrim. Well done to the Dunlavin management team of Kieran Burke, Billy Walsh, Paul Gallagher and Terry Allen, and commiserations to Carnew mentors, Anthony Holly, Denis Finn, and Pat Nolan.

Colaiste Bhride: Bob Fitzgerald, Cillin O’Toole, Michael Lyons, Conor Lambert, Conor Cleary, Dan Nolan, Jonathan Smith, Stephen Murphy, Keith Farrell, Michael Rock, Sean Mulligan, Wayne Kinsella, Darragh Curran, John Fleming, Sean Roche.
Sub used: Dean Barnes. Squad: Stephen Murphy, Cormac Byrne, Barry Walsh, Jack O’ Sullivan, John Walshe.
St.Kevin’s: Darragh Figgis, Kevin Sinnott, Sean Phelan, James Sinnott, Barry Miley, Jamie Miley, Steven Kearney, Daniel Dawson, Paul Murtagh, Jason McHugh, Conor Healy, Dylan Waters, Sean Geoghegan, Michael O’Connor, Richie Whelan.
Subs used: Andrew Howard, Eoin Murtagh, Timmy Metcalfe. Squad: Cian Tyrell, Joey Deering, Sean O’Keefe, Paul Foster, Eoin Kelly, Louis Caplis, Brandon O’Rourke, Jordan Dunne.

HURLING

A skilful, determined Avondale side were too strong for Col Chill Mhantain in Avondale. The Wicklow town school scored first as Avondale took some time to settle.  However the home team soon took control and went on to have a good lead at half time.

Chill Mhantain battled well in the second half and got some fine scores but Avondale went on to win comfortably.

The winners now go on to play Colaiste Bhride Carnew in the A final in this competition confined to first and second year students.

Their top scorer was full forward Rory O’Kelly with Craig Byrne also to the fore. Kevin O ‘Halloran and Daniel Owens did well at midfield while Johnny Tobin also impressed.

Colaiste Chill Mhantain had fine players in David Nicholson, Ronan Manley, George O’Connor, Conor O’Brien and Ciaran Bloomfield.

Referee was Ciaran O’Shea Tinahely.

Avondale CC: David Conroy, Conor Sheehan, Owen Heffernan, Stephen Cullen, Elliot Robinson, Liam Kinsella, David Byrne, Kevin O’Halloran, Daniel Owens, Conor Byrne, Johnny Tobin, Mark Keenan, Eanna Owens, Rory O’kelly, Craig Byrne. SUBS Tyrone Byrne, James Murphy, Ryan Bolton, Cormac Forlut-Byrne.

Col Chill Mhantain: Garry Walker, Blake McEniff, David Nicholson, Peter Dickenson, A Dickenson, Ronan Manley, Robert Browne, George O’Connor, Conor O’Brien, Ciaran Bloomfield, George O’Brien, Cal Connolly, James Kavanagh, Andy Moorehouse, Paul Robinson.

CAMOGIE

Avondale Community College 4-6  Colaiste Chraobh Abhann Kilcoole 2-6

This senior B final was played in Kilcoole with Cathy Forde, Arklow, as referee.

The first half was closely contested with the lead changing hands a number of times. At the interval the home team led by 2-4 to 2-2.

Chraobh Abhann had wind assistance in the second half. However an Aoife Clarke goal in the 10^th minute sent Avondale into the lead. They maintained an advantage from there to the end despite a huge effort by the Kilcoole school.

A key factor in the Avondale win was the defensive display of goalkeeper Emma Townsend and backs Shannon O’Toole and Claire Begley. Aoife Clarke and Katie Muldow worked hard in midfield while Emily O Dowd was very dangerous in attack.

Stars for the Kilcoole school included Aisling McCabe, Emily Jennings and Carissa O’Toole but the whole team impressed.

After the game Jim Murphy of Coiste na nIarbhunscoileanna presented the trophy to the Avondale captain Claire Begley.

SCORERS: Avondale : Emily O’Dowd 3-0, Aoife Clarke 1-3, Katie Mundow 0-3. Chraobh Abhann : Aisling McCabe 1-3, Carissa O’Toole 1-2, Aoife Gaffney 0-1

AVONDALE CC: Emma Townsend, Shannon O’Toole, Claire Begley, Siobhan Toomey, Tanya Carter, Aoife Clarke, Mairead Dunne, Dara Byrne, Shannon Kearns, Katie Mundow, Emma Byrne, Emily O’Dowd. SUB Lauren Burke for E Byrne

CHRAOBH ABHANN KILCOOLE: Sinead Kinsella, Dara Lacy, Holly Neary, Laura Broughan, Sarah Byrne, Aisling McCabe, Emily Jennings, Laura Flood, Carissa O’Toole, Aoife Gaffney, Laura Gammell, Rachel Finnegan. SUBS: Lorna Fanthom, Alanna Bellamy, Leanna Carlin Hannon, Alana Dole, Ciara Cunningham.

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The Division 1 Final was between St Marys N.S  Blessington and Baltinglass N.S. There was some wonderful play and score taking on the day shown by both teams.In the end the team work and team play of the Blessington boys was enough to bring the title back to the school for the 2nd year in a row.

Great credit must go to teacher Pat Sheirdan and club school link coach Lorcan Mcmahon who had this team in great shape. The Division 2 Final was played between Hollywood N.S and Dunlavin N.S. Again this was another great game with some great skills shown by players from both sides with Dunlavin just gaining the edge in the 2nd half. All teams will now go on to represent the West in the Wicklow Finals in Aughhrim in May. Many thanks to Tommy Brennan for organising the Blitz and to Darragh who set up pitch and the Hollywood club for the use of the pitch.

1 Avondale Community College                      1   St Mary’College Arklow

2 Gaelcholaiste na Mara                                 2 St Kevins Dunlavin

Semi Finals

Avondale Community College    5-4      St Kevins Dunlavin 7-4  (after extra time)

Gaelcholaiste na Mara              1-2       St  Mary’s College Arklow  4-4

Final

St Kevins C.C. Dunlavin           2-2        St Marys  College Arklow  2-1

As you can see from the results it was a very exciting day, all the schools enjoyed the games

Scoil Chonglais took their first Leinster Schools Girls football championship when taking the D title with an impressive win over Old Bawn in Blessington.

The Tallaght school were first into their stride and led by 2-2 to 0-1 after eight minutes.

Baltinglass then settled well and despite playing against a strong wind held their own for the remainder of the half.The score at the interval was Old bawn CS 2-5 Scoil Chonglais 0-6

A Chloe Farrell goal in the 7^th minute of the second half brought the sides level. Honours were even for the next ten minutes but, from then to the end, there was really only one team in it. Old Bawn scored two late points but otherwise their much vaunted attack found the Scoil Chonglais defence impregnable.

Meanwhile the Baltinglass attack, led by player of the match Chloe Farrell, picked off some excellent scores.

After the game Cathal Friel of Cumann Peil Gael na mBan presented the trophy to winning captain Lucy Cush.

SCOIL CHONGLAIS: Meghan Keogh, Orla Dunne, Sarah-Jane Winder, Emma Brennan, Marina Timmins, Anna Fitzpatrick, Sarah Fennelly, Paula Faulkner, Hannah Dowling, Ciara hennessy, Lucy Cush (capt.), Emma Brennan, Helena Dowling, Chloe Farrell, Amanda McGeer. SUBS: Rachel O’Neill, Aoife Case, Emilie Flanagan, Ciara Lawlor, Niamh Horgan, Aideen Foley, Emma Colgan.

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The overall skill level was very good over both days with all games being very competetive.

This competetion was run on a league system with teams from Aughrim N.S. Barndarrig N.S Arklow B.N.S. Gael Scoil Arklow

Carnew N.S. and Crossbridge N.S. The two schools that qualified for the finals were Crossbridge N.S. and Gael Scoil Arklow.

The finals will Played in Aughrim County Grounds in April.

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Colaiste Chill Mhantain will look forward with relish to their first ever experience of an All Ireland Schools final when they renew acquaintances with Ratoath College of Meath in the Vocational Schools Senior B decider, due to be played next Saturday 24th March at a venue to be confirmed. The Wicklow Town side will be hoping to improve on their first encounter with Ratoath in the Leinster Final, when they came out the wrong side of a five point margin after a very closely contested game. On that day Chill Mhantain were put under pressure from the start by a very potent Ratoath strikeforce, but performed strongly to put themselves in the lead in the second half, only to see some composed finishing by the Ratoath forwards put the game beyond reach again in the closing minutes. Chill Mhantain went through as runners up to face Colaiste Treasa of Kanturk in the All Ireland semi final, where they overcame a nine point deficit and completely outgunned the opposition in the second half to run out convincing winners on a scoreline of 3-7 to 0-13.

The team is made up of players from St.Patrick’s, Rathnew, Ashford and Glenealy with a number of dual players featuring strongly. A number of the players also featured on last year’s All Ireland winning De La Salle College U-16 soccer team and so are no strangers to the big occasion. They have had a good run out in a challenge against Gorey during the week, and have certainly demonstrated their ability to cope with pressure in their run in to this final. It will be crucial for them to get to grips with the Ratoath attack from the off and secure good supply of the ball to their own forwards, who have already proved how dangerous they can be given half a chance. Mentors Pat Sheehy and Bosco Guinan will be hoping all the hard work and effort of the lads can reap a big reward, as will all in Coaliste Chill Mhantain.

Colaiste Bhride Carnew completed a three in a row in the County Wicklow Schools senior camogie championship in a pulsating game in Pearse’s Park Arklow on Friday. However it was only some late scores that divided them from an impressive Dominican College side from Wicklow.

The fitness and skill levels of both teams was excellent and a credit to the coaches Joan Lancaster of Colaiste Bhride and Tom Doyle of Dominican College.

Dominican College looked the sharper side in the first half against the wind. This was the best half of a Wicklow schools final for many years with end to end play throughout. At half time Dominican College led by 1-7 to 1-5.

The second half was even more exciting. A Jody Lifely goal put Colaiste Bhride in front in the 8^th minute but a minute later Dominican were ahead again as, the games outstanding player, laura Manley, burst through for a goal. However the Wicklow town school was not to score again until the last minute. A Jody Lifely point for Colaiste Bhride. brought the sides level and there followed a scoreless ten minute as both teams tried hard to take the lead.

There were chances at both ends but defences held firm. Dominican shot narrowly wide from a few wind assisted long range frees.

With only three minutes remaining the deadlock was broken when Una Sinnott, who impressed throughout, scored a goal for Carnew after a good run. A minute later Caoimhe Roche had the ball in the net again. Dominican’s only reply was a late Laura Manley point.

SCORERS: Colaiste Bhride Carnew: Jody Lifely 1-3, Caoimhe Roche 1-2, Una Sinnott and Charlotte Redmond 1-0 each, Sarah Lifely 0-2. Dominican College : Laura Manley 1-7, Katie Boucher 1-1 .

COLAISTE BHRIDE: Siobhan Boland, Alison Moules, Joanne Doran, Aoife Sullivan, Katie Kenny, Jody Lifely, Una Sinnott, Emily O’Reilly, Sarah Lifely, Caoimhe Roche, Eimear Sullivan, Charlotte Redmond. SUBS Maryanne Sheehan, Lorna Whitty, Lisa Davis.

DOMINICAN COLLEGE: Jade O’Connor, Amie Doyle, Caoimhe Byrne, Charlie O’Connor, Lisa Hogan, Amy Irwin, Laura Manley, Stacy O’Neill, Katie Boucher, Hannah Moore, Margaret Moorehouse, Michaela Drumgoole.

Colaiste Chill Mhantain 3-07 Coaliste Traesa Kanturk 0-13

Colaiste Chill Mhantain advance to a Vocational Schools Senior B All Ireland Final in their first year of existence after a thrilling encounter against Colaiste Treasa of Kanturk, played in excellent conditions in Templetuohy, Tipperary on Saturday 10th March. The eventual outcome looked highly unlikely after twenty minutes of the first half, when the Cork school led 0-10 to 0-1, a single score from play for the Wicklow Town side by Simon Bouchier. The game was played at a blistering pace from the start with the Wicklow backs blitzed by the Kanturk attack, who were rewarded with four scores from frees and well taken points from play. They also had chances in front of goal, one after four minutes producing a spectacular save from corner back Gavin Weir, another on ten minutes dealt with superbly by unflappable goalkeeper Gary Browne. Chill Mhantain gradually got more of a handle on the game with all players showing huge determination and work rate. A free from midfielder Ross O’Brien yielded a point as the Wicklow school managed to spend more time in their opponents’ territory in a crucial last ten minutes of the first half. All the Wicklow forwards worked tirelessly and Aaron Nugent added a point to leave it 0-10 to 0-3 at the interval.
Half time was a welcome chance to steady the ship for Colaiste Chill Mhantain and the back line was rejigged with Adam Cox coming on at half back for the injured Adam Quinn, and Mark O’Sullivan taking over at corner back. Again it seemed as if Kanturk were set to dominate after a point in the opening minute of the second half and a shot just wide of goal. Some teams may have baulked at the prospect of the road back from an eight point deficit at this stage, but the Wicklow lads demonstrated character and passion in abundance to launch what was to be an extraordinary comeback. Jonathan Delahunt’s tireless efforts in midfield were rewarded suddenly with a goal four minutes after the restart, and the immense work rate of Paul Ellis yielded a point for him after eight minutes. Kanturk replied with another, cancelled out by a point from an Aaron Nugent free. Then a huge ball in from Jonathan Delahunt resulted in a scramble in front of the Kanturk goal, and Simon Bouchier was there to drive the ball home and cause jubilation for Wicklow. Another point for Kanturk left the score 2-05 to 0-13 after a frenetic fifteen minutes played of the second half.
An injury to Delahunt brought Patrick O’Connor into the fray who minutes later was instrumental in Wicklow’s third goal, with his excellent possession and delivery putting pressure on the Cork backs and allowing Simon Bouchier to find the net again. Wicklow now led by a point for the first time in the match with ten minutes to go and continued to display their determination. Midfield general Ross O’Brien added another two points, one from a free and one after excellent work from Simon Bouchier. Sean Buckley made his senior debut in the tense final minutes, as Kanturk launched a wave of attacks on the Wicklow goal. Chill Mhantain defended in numbers and held firm to clinch a memorable win and an All-Ireland final place against either Belmullet of Mayo or Ratoath of Meath with March 24th the likely date. Whatever the result there, the sheer tenacity shown by all members of the panel in this huge team performance ought to sustain and inspire these and future players for Colaiste Chill Mhantain. David Jameson was immense at full back, as was the contribution of forwards Warren Kavanagh, Graham Merrigan and Jordan Pettigrew whose effort and commitment was unrelenting throughout.
CCM: Gary Browne, Gavin Weir, David Jameson, Adam Quinn, Mark O’Sullivan, John Crowe, Ronan Doyle, Ross O’Brien (0-3), Jonathan Delahunt (1-0), Aaron Nugent (0-2), Paul Ellis (0-1), Warren Kavanagh, Graham Merrigan, Jordan Pettigrew, Simon Bouchier (2-1).
Subs: Adam Cox for Quinn, Patrick O’Connor for Delahunt, Sean Buckley for Bouchier, Andrew Murphy.