Local Volleyball Notes (week ending 15th December 2019)

Double All-Ireland Senior A Volleyball Success for Clare Schools!

Co. Clare Volleyball is celebrating a national double success with Coláiste Muire Ennis and St Flannan’s College Ennis claiming National Senior A titles.

Coláiste Muire successfully retained the girls title which they had won for the first time last year. The girls defeated Dublin’s Rockford Manor in the final which was held in the UCD sports Centre on Thursday December 12.

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It was a testament to the Coláiste girls mental strength as they came from two sets to nil down to clinch the title in the final fifth set 15-13.

Back Row Left to Right: Úna Ní Choileáin, Róisín Moore, Lily Hughes Keane, Edith Kearney, Maria Jones. Front Row Left to Right: Serodie Luyinduladio, Eimear Kilroy, Rhona Kearney, Emma Ikiebey
Back Row Left to Right: Úna Ní Choileáin, Róisín Moore, Lily Hughes Keane, Edith Kearney, Maria Jones.
Front Row Left to Right: Serodie Luyinduladio, Eimear Kilroy, Rhona Kearney, Emma Ikiebey

Having lost the first two sets 16-25, 21-25 the girls kept their nerve to win back the third and fourth sets 25-22, 25-19

The MVP award went to Una Nì Choileàin who consistently served and covered. Una also got some superb attacking hits on the wing when provided with excellent sets from Serodie Luyinduladio.

On the opposite wing Irish u16 International, Coláiste Muire student Maria Jones, was also in superb hitting form and had an excellent match on service, attack and defence.

Credit must go to centre hitter Emma Ikiebey who kept her nerve in the final minutes to serve out the match. Both Emma and Eimear Kilroy worked hard blocking the Rockford hits. Team captain Edith Kearney showed fantastic leadership with some exceptional serves, hits and cover.

Roisin Moore was faultless on service and Libero, Rhona Kearney was outstanding in the back court.

The team are coached by Teresa Nì Riordàin, Jack Neylon and Pauline Della Chiesa.

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The Boys A final was a similar nail biting affair which also went to 5 sets. Despite Drumshambo having match point in the 4th set , the Flannans boys held their nerve to secure the title in the 5th set.

This is the first Senior A title for St Flannans with the team having won Cadette A and Senior Cup last season.

St Flannan'sNames Back row: cillian ORiardain, Jack Browne, Ben Higgins, Alan Lima, Adan Lima Front row: Jesus Qaya Saya, Cathal Dwyer (Captain), Cian Humphreys, Patrick Kennedy, Ciaran Jones.
St Flannan’sNames
Back row: cillian ORiardain, Jack Browne, Ben Higgins, Alan Lima, Adan Lima
Front row: Jesus Qaya Saya, Cathal Dwyer (Captain), Cian Humphreys, Patrick Kennedy, Ciaran Jones.