Five buses left Scoil Ruain at 9:30 in Monday morning to head to Tallaght after applying face paint, loading up flags and banners to support the U16 Cadet team in the All Ireland final v St Mary’s Ballina, Mayo.
In the last four years Scoil Ruain teams have lost at the penultimate stage. This team achieved the final spot after defeating Midleton of Cork 49-44 in the All-Ireland semi final in UL two weeks ago.
After a shaky start going 4pts behind the girls took control of the game in the second quarter and held an eight point lead all the way to the fourth quarter.
Their final quarter was nerve wrecking and Scoil Ruains aggressive defence won the day but at a price, the match MVP Niamh Hayes, Ava Heffernan and Robyn Horan got fouled out and their early foul trouble had St Mary’s on the free throw line on 6
occasions but the electric atmosphere and the powerful support unnerved the Ballina girls and Scoil Ruain held out bravely until the end.
While the team were outstanding defensively today, Issy Hayden with 14pts, Ava Heffernan and Siobhan O’Hanlon 8pts each keep cool heads offensively. Point guards Jess Strappe and Anna Prendergast ran in important scores when St Mary’s pushed up their defence to full court in the final quarter.
There was jubilant scenes after the game when Parents, grandparents, families, cousins, teachers and friends ascended onto the floor. Thirty minutes after the games the cameras were still flashing. Scoil Ruain supporters on the day were colourful , noisey, enthusiastic and made the day for the team.
0 Carlie O’Donohoe,
2 Rachel Butler,
4 Anna Prendergast 2pts,
5 Isabel Hayden 14pts.
7 Clodagh Horan
9 Niamh Hayes 2pts.
10 Robyn Horan
11 Emily Ryan
12 Ava Heffernan 8pts.
14 Siobhan O Hanlon 8 pts.
15 Katie McCormack 1 pt.
54 Jessica Strappe 4 pts.
