A record 31 teams took part in yesterday’s All Ireland Schools Finals held in the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght. It was the first year that the Primary and Secondary finals were combined and it proved a great success with supporters from all over the country adding to the great atmosphere.
The match of the day was undoubtably the U15 boys final between St. Louis Kiltimagh and last year’s winners Blackrock College. It went right down to the wire with St. Louis finally clinching it in the doubles. Blackrock were triumphant in the U19 boy’s overcoming Ballyclare in another gripping contest.
Colaiste Choilm beat Malone in the U13 boys semi final to book a place against Presentation College, Carlow who had earlier beaten Colaiste Mhuire, Ballymote. Colaiste Choilm won out to take the top spot.
The Primary Boys competition was won by Manulla NS who beat St. Ronan’s in the final.
The girls competition saw some entertaining and competitive matches across all age groups.
Colaiste Choilm U19’s overcame Balla in the final having beaten Cavan Royal en route.
St. Louis, Kiltimagh contested both the U13 and U15 competition. They were successful in the U15s beating Mercy Heights, Skibberreen but lost out to Mountrath in the U13 final.
Kerrypike NS came out top in the Primary School Girls Final beating Mountrath.
The event was well supported by all the schools but special mention must go to the supporters from Manulla NS who were by far the most colourful and enthusiastic fans of the day. They arrived armed with banners and posters and cheered their team along all day.
Full results to follow