Galway's St Colman's can now look forward to competing at intermediate level in Galway in 2023 after being crowned Pat Barrett champions on Saturday with a 2-11 to 1-8 victory over Na Brideóga from Mayo in Kilbeacanty.
The sides had played ach other in the league in April when there were only four points between them, and it was evident from the outset it was going to be another close encounter.
St Colman's had led 1-3 without reply with points from Ciara Helebert, Chelsea Nolan and Rachel Linnane with an 11th minute goal by Chloe Cahill. It was 12 minutes before Aoife Lilly got Na Brideóga off the mark, after which there was no score for 14 minutes with defences to the fore.
Na Brideóga will rue their failure to capitalise on three goal chances between the 18th and 23rd minutes, but credit to Aine Crehan and Emer Gantley for their stern defence.
St Colman's led 1-4 to 0-3 at half-time, but the final quarter the game came to life when Na Brideóga came within a point. However, it was not enough to deny St Colman's clean sweep of titles at Junior A level this year, having already won the championship and league titles in Galway.
St Colmans: Emer Gantley, Alisha Nelly, Áine Crehan, Cianna Staunton, Laura Walsh, Anna Clancy, Aisling Rock, Brenda Killilea, Nicole Grealish, Katie Nelly, Ciara Helebert (0-2 ), Chelsea Nolan (0-2F ), Rachel Linnane (0-2, 0-1F ), Chloe Cahill (1-2 ), Rachel Burke (0-3 ). Substitutes: Beibhinn Veale for A Rock, Ellen Egan (1-0 ) for K Nelly, Eve Reynolds for C Nolan, Ailbhe Marren for N Grealish.
