St. Joseph’s College, Lucan (Joeys) are crowned Dublin Post-Primary Schools Senior A Champions after playing out an absolute thriller at Clanna Gael Fontenoy GAA Club, Ringsend, on Friday 22/1/2016.

Final Score: St Joseph’s College, Lucan 3-5 v Our Lady’s Terenure 2-6

In almost perfect hurling conditions for January, St Joseph’s College, Lucan won their second Dublin Post-Primary Schools Senior A Division One title today beside the sea in Clanna Gael Fontenoy GAA Club, Ringsend. Our previous win was also achieved in January 2013.

What a game! What a win!! This nail-biting game went down to the wire. It was desperately close as Jess Condron did a JJ Delaney hook to avoid conceding an almost certain goal in the last minute of injury time....it was that close.

There were outstanding displays all round from our girls against the pick of Judes, Boden, Faughs, and Ballinteer....

Nobody impressed more, in a team of stars, than keeper Nicole Fitzgibbon who was brilliant throughout. Great hands and very brave.

Avril Quinn, Emma O’Flynn and Julie Kelly were rock solid in the full-back line, especially in the last frantic exchanges.

Meabh Dowler gave an exhibition of hurling at right half, while Jess Condron and Laura Morgan showed all their brilliant skill and maturity to complete a famous half-back line.

Lucan were a powerhouse at mid-field with Orlaith Murphy and Laura O’Mahony (finishing her Dublin schools career on a high) never giving an inch to Faughs and Dublin danger-woman Kerrie Finnegan.

Young Orla Sadlier put down a marker in her finest ever display at this, the highest level. One to watch. Sam Fitzgerald and Aoife McKearney simply ooze class and put their stamp all over this famous win.

Katie Feeney, Laura Quinn, Jessie McClelland and Emily McIntyre were always dangerous in the full-forward line.

Aoife McKearney’s frees were crucial to the win and she had an electric second half with her runs through the heart of the defence. The pick of her scores was certainly her pointed free that she floated lazily in on the breeze from out on the road-side touchline just inside the Our Lady’s half of the pitch...an inspirational score in such blustery conditions.

Emily McIntyre’s poacher’s goal in the 9th minute was probably the crucial score as it gave Lucan a foothold against the breeze.

The sides were level at 2-2 each at the break.

Dave Keenan, Liam Ryan, and Stephen Hoary were very interested spectators at this one, with an eye on Lucan 2016 and beyond. Dave and Liam, who gave solid umpiring performances throughout at opposite ends in this match, can certainly feel confident of achieving continuing success at Minor and Senior levels this year....as can Stephen who observed proceedings from his touchline vantage point.

Lucan have now qualified for the All-Ireland series and are scheduled to play the semi-final on 13th February (venue to be decided). Abby Lawlor, Kate Britton, Yasmin (Yaz) Kilduff and Aoife O’Kane hope to return to the first team for that. Competition for places is intense.

Congrats to Dave Kirwan and Sean Beecher on a well-drilled unit.
Lucan girls starting 2016 as we mean to go on.... ☺...the supply lines are secure.

Joeys: Nicole Fitzgibbon; Avril Quinn, Emma O’Flynn, Julie Kelly; Meabh Dowler, Jess Condron, Laura Morgan, Orlaith Murphy (0-1), Laura O’Mahony (1-0), Orla Sadlier (1-0), Sam Fitzgerald (0-1), Aoife McKearney (0- 3), Katie Feeney, Laura Quinn, Abby Lawlor, Emma Ryan, Emily McIntyre (1-0), Yasmin Kilduff, Kate Britton, Jessie McClelland, Aoife O’Kane.

SOTS : Meabh Dowler.