Coláiste Muire secure historic cup final spot

Coláiste Muire will line out in the Pinergy Girls Schools U-19 Munster Senior Cup final next Wednesday after a whirlwind few weeks for the Ennis school.
This is the first year that Coláiste Muire have fielded a rugby team with their progress nothing short of remarkable.
The team has made an impressive entrance into the U-19A schools cup competition and are set to face off against Sacred Heart Clonakilty in the final.
With Joint captains Lyndsey Clarke and Ellis O’Flaherty, who have represented Munster at underage level, at the helm, along with the experience of Orna Moynihan, Sally Kelly and Jennifer Weston, the team possesses quality operators and players who are willing to learn.
While Coláiste Muire has achieved great success in music, debating, volleyball, Gaelic Games and athletics, the introduction of a ladies rugby team is another significant milestone.
Despite the physicality of the game, respect is at the forefront of the sport as the Coláiste Muire players have shown their impressive strength, power, speed, and agility to reach this stage.
Coláiste Muire lined out in their first ever rugby game in January as they comprehensively defeated last year’s finalists Bandon Grammar School 26-5 on away soil.
After Sally Kelly dived over for Coláiste Muire’s first try, Eabha O’Driscoll lined up the conversion. As she placed the ball on the tee, the talented football and soccer player turned to the sideline and asked how to kick a rugby ball. She found the answer herself as the talented sports star placed the ball on the tee and nailed the conversion. After that O’Driscoll crossed the try line herself and made three out of four conversions on a day full back Moynihan and joint captain Clarke crossing for tries themselves.
Despite Bandon nabbing a late unconverted try, Coláiste Muire were relentless as they dug in to secure a famous win.
The Ennis school received a bye against Intermediate School Killorglin at the semi-final stage. They face a difficult task in the decider as the side managed by teacher Gemma Hassett face off against Sacred Heart Clonakilty.
The Cork outfit overcame St. Anne’s Community College Killaloe 13-12 in a tense semi-final showdown.
Coláiste Muire are hoping for generous support on the day at Virgin Media Park (formerly Musgrave Park) with Sacred Heart Clonakilty set to attract a large following as they line out in the Junior and Senior Cup finals.
The Clare school aim to back up St. Anne’s Community College’s success in this final last year and ensure Clare enjoy further rugby glory.

Coláiste Muire Panel: Orna Moynihan, Victoria Burns, Ellis O’Flaherty, Lucy Power, Ella Courtney, Lyndsay Clarke, Amy Butler, Fiadh O’Shea, Keira O’Neill, Caoilinn Cahill, Ciara Frawley, Jennifer Weston, Ellen Byrne, Eabha O’Driscoll, Sally Kelly, Anna Byrne Muireann O’Mullane, Sophie Culleton, Anna Steigerwald, Mary McInerney, Ella Fitzgibbon, Elisha Rowland, Sadie Shalloo Murphy.

Manager: Gemma Hassett. Coaches: John Kelly, Frank Clarke.

Wednesday, March 13
Munster Schools Girls Junior Cup Final – Sacred Heart Clonakilty v Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí – 2pm
Pinergy Munster Schools Girls Senior Cup Final – Sacred Heart Clonakilty v Coláiste Muire Ennis – 4pm