The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
St Marys claim All Ireland club crown in Tralee
ST Marys Under 14 girls had a big win at the weekend when they secured the All Ireland Club B title.
The competition was held in Tralee. The girls were coached by Tommy Dom O’Connor who is no stranger to winning All Ireland titles. The squad met Longford Falcons in the final.
Falcons were coached by Gerry Penrose. Penrose and O’Connor have been on the sidelines in opposition several times in the past as they both coached national league in the early 2000s.
It took St Marys a few minutes to settle into the game, Longford making some steals and netting the first score of the game before Johanna Moynihan netted Marys first score of the game. The Castleisland girls settled after this and a series of scores from Shauna Tangney resulted in a seven point lead at the end of the first.
Rebecca Reidy was first to register a score in the second quarter, Muireann Rahilly and Chantelle Broderick added to this and despite a spread of scores from the opposition Mary’s increased their lead by a further four points at the half time interval.
The third quarter was close but again the Kerry team were strongest. Portlaoise defended well but were no match for Hannah Herlihy, Shauna Tangney and Abbie Mahony who dominated.
St Marys led 30 points to 18 going into the final quarter. Portlaoise fought hard to close the gap and succeeded in reducing it to five points, but two quick scores in succession from Hannah Herlihy and Emma Kerin gave St Marys breathing space once again.
The sides went basket for basket in this quarter and St Marys ran out winners with twleve points to spare. ST MARYS: Shauna Tangney 9, Abbie Mahony 8, Muireann Rahilly and Emma Kerin 5 each, Ciara Cronin and Hannah Herlihy 4 each, Chantelle Broderick, Johanna Moynihan and Rebecca Reidy 2 each, Ciara Casey and Katie Cotter.
St Marys Under 16 girls will contest the AICC A title next weekend. This tournament will be hosted by Brunell and run off in the Parochial Hall Cork.