Pres Mitchelstown blitz their way to Munster title
On the opening day of summer, Presentation Secondary School from Mitchelstown took part in the Munster B Blitz in Mallow GAA. Twenty-three 1st year students had many games to play over the course of the day. It was a guaranteed six games, between two teams, with results leading to a semi-final after the group stages. The team would go all the way to the final and bring the cup home to crown off a great day of camogie.
High playing numbers led to the luxury of bringing two teams and all players playing a minimum of three matches. Opponents included Coláiste an Phiarsaigh, Carrigaline Community School, Nenagh, Cashel, Youghal and Carrick-on-Suir.
The standard of play across the day was of the highest from all teams, but Pres shone above all else. An outstanding squad effort was on show with all players playing their part. An opening win over Coláiste an Phiarsaigh, Glanmire set Pres off to the perfect start. A narrow loss to Carrigaline Community School also occurred despite a very spirited display.
IMPRESSIVE
Next up were Cashel. A tough contest was anticipated but there was stopping Pres who powered to victory with an impressive return of five goals. This was followed with an impressive win over Pobalscoil na Tríonóide, Youghal. After a slow start, Pres responded strongly and came away with a resilient result.
While they were more or less guaranteed a semi-final berth, a quest for top-spot was desired. Nenagh appeared to be tough opponents going by their previous performances. The wind played its part in the game. This allowed for a strong second-half performance and another victory which guaranteed the semi-final position.
Mercy Waterford were the opponents in the penultimate tie. It was a game where Pres burst out of the traps to put some early scores on the board. This stood them in good stead as they had a cushion that allowed them to prevent any fightback from the Déise side. They would hold out comfortably in the end and the final was calling.
THE FINAL
Carrick-on-Suir were the team hoping to prevent the Pres success. A rematch with Nenagh had been anticipated, but Carrick-onSuir were hoping to retain their crown from last year. It was another game where the wind played a factor. Playing against the elements in the first half, Pres had to deal with pressure but the defence held firm to concede only two scores, 1-1.
At the other end, early goals gave Pres a half-time lead with wind advantage to come. Pres used this to their favour and some fast and direct play led to more goal chances being created and the full-forward line were there to pounce. Green flags allowed Pres to secure the title and crown off a very successful day.
It was a hugely successful day of sport for a number of reasons. Of course, the final victory was the highlight but there was a very strong collective standard over the course of the blitz, and further on, from a Pres perspective, all players received adequate game time and an opportunity to impress.
It certainly bodes well for the future of camogie in Pres. And after previous years of constant silverware, it was very nice to bring some form of a camogie trophy back to the school again this year.
Pres Mitchelstown: Charlotte Conway, Irina Flynn, Sarah Casey, Arianna Donovan, Lucy O’Connor, Saoirse Clifford, Emily Maher, Lucy Geary, Alannah Conroy, Ciara Martin, Aisling Geary, Laura Bell, Briellen McNamara, Jane Noonan, Erica Power, Alisha Carey, Katie O’Dwyer, Elizabeth Moloney, Loren Quinn, Lucy Hennessy, Lucy Heafy, Keeva Chawke and Leah Kinsella.