KCS Junior camogie team had another day out in the All-Ireland stages of the Junior camogie competition. It was a swift turn around with just seven days since being crowned Munster champions. The team, along with their mentors and some supporters, began the long journey to Ballymacward in Galway to take on Connacht champions Holy Rosary College from Mountbellew on Tuesday 30th of January. 

It’s a fantastic achievement to reach the All-Ireland stages but Kinsale knew they would have a tough game if they were to come out the other side with a win. Tough conditions under foot made it difficult for both teams, however Kinsale had a slight wind in the first half which they played to their advantage. KCS got off to a great start with picking points and winning frees. The Mountbellew side kept fighting back and were very threatening up front. The Kinsale backs made vital interceptions which would have put Mountbellew in the lead. There was a strong Holy Rosary support in the stand but the Kinsale took the shouting and jeering in their stride. Kinsale were in a comfortable position as they were in the lead after the first thirty minutes.  

The second half got underway and there was pressure on KCS from the start. Mountbellew had the wind and were launching long ball in on top of the Kinsale full back line. Again, the backs handled the pressure and cleared their lines. There were a number of close calls made by the referee which didn’t go in Kinsale’s favour and that added the pressure even further. Mountbellew clawed the score back to within a point in the dying minutes of the game. Another KCS point sealed the game with a two point win. KCS are headed to the All-Ireland Junior Camogie Final! 

A huge thank you to the students and family members who travelled to Galway on that momentous day! 

Kinsale will take on St Mary’s Grammar School of Magherfelt on March 2nd. Full details will be announced soon.