Cluain Dolcáin complete historic school double

By Stephen Leonard

GAELSCOIL na Camóige, Cluain Dolcáin cantered home to the Scaith INTO in Croke Park on Monday, beating Scoil Benedict 13-10 to 1-0.

The victory completed a historic double for the school whose footballers had also won in Croke Park back in November.

Inspired by the performances of Holly Gregg and captain Megan Hoyte, who led the charge and got on the scoresheet, the Clondalkin side never looked like slipping up in this decider.

Aine Ni Mhistéil and Roisin Ni Fhlaithimhín both registered hat-tricks on the day for the eventual winners while even goalkeeper Karla Ní Mhiacháin got in on the scoring act.

After having produced a solid performance between the posts, she was later moved outfield and found the back of the net from distance.

Also in defence Saoirse Ng at full back and half back Niamh Nic Reachtain proved most uncompromising and cut out much of the Scoil Benedict attack.

“We weren’t sure what we were going to get” said Cluain Dolcáin coach Donncha Ó Corcoráin.

“They [Scoil Benedict] were a very physical team and the final scoreline didn’t truly reflect the game.

“We were able to finish our chances and that was the real difference” he explained.

It was an impressive finish to an equally impressive campaign by this Clondalkin outfit, many of whom had played with the Cumann na mBunscol title-winning footballers last year.

Indeed the strength of the group from which they qualified, was underscored by the fact that three of the teams from that pool make it to Croker.

Yet this is an exceptional Cluain Dolcáin side, the starting 13 of which all play with local GAA club Round Tower.