FOLLOWING on from their Munster schools hockey victory two weeks ago, history was made on Friday 27th March as Crescent College Comprehensive claimed their first All Ireland senior hockey victory at the Kate Russell schools competition in Galway.
This was the third year in a row that the school represented Munster in the inter provincial competition, having claimed silver last year, they went one step further this year to claim the gold medals.
Coached by Sean O’Callaghan, this was the first time that a Limerick school won the competition, and only the sixth time for Munster in the 35 year history of the trophy. Led by Captain Michelle Barrett, CCC got off to a flying start on Thursday 26th with a 6-2 win over Sullivan Upper from Ulster. Scores for CCC came from Aebhinn Bourke 4,Niamh O Keefe, and Ciara Leahy. In the afternoon, it was a close fought battle with eventual runners up, St Gerard’s of Bray representing Leinster which resulted in a 2 all draw. Scores for CCC came from Niamh O’Keeffe and Megan Mawhinney.
Friday the 27th saw CCC playing Kilkenny College representing the South East. This was another close affair with goals from Bella Murphy and Jenny Clein seeing CCC winning on a score of 2-1. The score in the next match between Sullivan Upper and St Gerard’s set the target for CCC in their last match against Salerno representing hosts Connaught – they would need to win by 3 goals to claim gold. In a very competitive final tournament match Salerno put up a strong challenge but were not able for a very composed CCC team who won on a score of 4-0. Scores came from Aoibhinn Bourke (2), Bella Murphy and Ciara Leahy.
As Michelle stepped up to accept the winners trophy, among scenes of great jubilation from the strong CCC following, she thanked Sean for his huge voluntary dedication over the years and also acknowledged her team mates, former coaches and the support of the school to the team.
Crescent College Comprehensive team
Niamh Keyes (GK), Ciara Leahy, Orla Curtin, Megan Horan, Ciara Murphy, Michelle Barrett (Captain), Nicole Power, Megan Mawhinney, Meabh O’Sullivan, Clodagh Coffey, Anna Horan, Aine Ryan (VC), Aisling Horan (VC), Aebfhinn Bourke, Jenny Clein, Jane Kirby, Niamh O’Keeffe, Bella Murphy, Molly Doran, Aoibhinn Maher.
