Friday, April 4: Having led the table after Day 1, Crescent College produced two emphatic wins over Coláiste Iognáid and Loreto Kilkenny to secure the 2025 Kate Russell All-Ireland Schoolgirls Championships in Three Rock Rovers. Portadown grabbed the silver medal, securing second thanks to a draw with Loreto Beaufort and a dominant win over Coláiste Iognáid, while hosts Loreto Beaufort took home bronze, closing the day out with a 1-0 win over Loreto Kilkenny.
After a strong performance in Day 1, Crescent College got Day 2 of the Kate Russell All-Ireland Schoolgirls Championships underway with a game against Coláiste Iognáid. Crescent started brightly, Eimear Keogh putting the Munster side ahead after 6 minutes, before Sarah Hogan got the second to double the lead. Coláiste Iognáid rallied in the second half reducing the deficit to a single goal thanks to Mai Givan, but Aisling Kelly restored Crescent’s lead to 3-1 to complete the scoring.
Shortly after Portadown and Loreto Beaufort faced off, with both sides needing a win to keep pace with Crescent College. Despite the excellent standard of hockey on show, neither side could find the back of the net.
It was advantage Crescent College as they played their fourth and final game against Loreto Kilkenny, with a win enough to secure them the Championship. Crescent again made a perfect start to the encounter, Grace O’Dwyer opening the scoring after just three minutes. An exceptional attacking move gave Crescent their second of the game, Sarah Horgan producing the final touch to find the backboard.
Despite the destination of the silverware being already confirmed, Portadown were keen to end their tournament on a high, facing Coláiste Iognáid in their final encounter. The Ulster side showed the quality in attack, with Beth Evans grabbing a brace, Emily Adamson scoring a sublime reverse, eventual Player of the Tournament Rebekah Lennon grabbing Portadown’s fifth, and Rebecca Owens getting their sixth. The win solidified Portadown second place in the standings.
Hosts Loreto Beaufort and Loreto Kilkenny played the final game of the competition as the sun set over Three Rock Rovers, with the bronze medal up for grabs. A feisty final encounter was eventually won by Loreto Beaufort, Issy Kealy striking sweetly from a penalty corner to grab the only goal of the game.
Results – Day 2
Crescent College 3 – 1 Coláiste Iognáid
Loreto Beaufort 0 – 0 Portadown
Crescent College 2 – 0 Loreto Kilkenny
Portadown 6 – 0 Coláiste Iognáid
Loreto Beaufort 1 – 0 Loreto Kilkenny
Standings – Day 2
Crescent College – 10pts
Portadown – 8pts
Loreto Beaufort – 5pt
Coláiste Iognáid – 2pts
Loreto Kilkenny – 1pt
