St Leo’s, Carlow on glory trail again

THE Tesco All-Ireland senior post primary schools ladies football finals take place this afternoon in Limerick and Longford, and there is a whiff of possible revenge in the midlands air.

The senior A and B finals will form a double-header at Longford Town’s Pearse Park, while the senior C final is down for decision in Croagh, Co Limerick.

Both schools in the senior A final (1.45) are familiar with All-Ireland final day.

St Leo’s of Carlow, chasing a second title in four seasons, won the crown in 2007 when they defeated Loreto, Fermoy. That success followed defeats in the 1999 and 2000 deciders, when St Leo’s lost out to John Bosco, Caherciveen (Kerry) and St Louis, Monaghan respectively.

In the semi-finals, the Carlow girls defeated Presentation College, Tuam (Galway) 2-10 to 2-7 while final opponents Loreto Grammar School from Omagh enjoyed a 2-10 to 3-5 victory over Coláiste na Sceilge, Cahirciveen (Kerry).

Tyrone representatives Loreto have made steady progress in recent years and captured the 2008 and 2009 Junior A titles with victories against Dunmore of Galway and against today’s opponents last year.

The senior B final (3.30) pits two first-time finalists against each other — St Michael’s of Claremorris, Mayo, against Armagh’s St Patrick’s Academy from Dungannon.

St Michael’s defeated Moate CS 2-13 to 2-8 in the semi-final while St Patrick’s Academy ran out comprehensive 3-17 to 1-8 winners against John the Baptist, Limerick.

In the C final (2pm), Mercy Heights from Skibbereen in Cork are appearing in the final for the first time and they will meet Longford’s Scoil Mhuire, Strokestown in Croagh.

Mercy Heights defeated Assumption Grammar School Ballynahinch (Down) 5-11 to 0-7 in the semi-finals while Scoil Mhuire, who won the 2004 All-Ireland junior title, ran out 4-10 to 2-11 winners against Loreto SS, Balbriggan (Dublin).