Coachford College overcome Coláiste Choilm in Cork Colleges senior A camogie final goal fest

Cornelia Buckley and Niamh O’Connor scored hat-tricks for either side but Coachford outscored their rivals in the end

Whenever these teams meet they never disappoint, and that was the case once again in the Cork Colleges senior A camogie final on Wednesday night. Pic: © Michael O'Rourke Photography 2026

Coachford College 5-16 Coláiste Choilm Ballincollig 3-9

Whenever these teams meet they never disappoint, and that was the case once again in the Cork Colleges senior A camogie final on Wednesday night.

Meeting for the fifth year in a row, and with a pair of titles a piece, Coachford College regained the trophy in Hayes’ Park, Mahon.

Treating fans to an incredible goal fest, the match featured some outstanding scores from these mid Cork schools.

Cornelia Buckley’s hat-trick for the winners, including two in the fourth quarter turned this tight match.

Niamh O’Connor scored three as well for Coláiste Choilm, and her second just before the interval not alone inspired their comeback and trail by the minimum at the break - it was executed after a stunning run along the left flank.

In a contest that ebbed and flowed, Coachford College got off to a fast start with Buckley grabbing the first goal in the 10th minute, set up by Sophie McCarthy.

A surging run from Manley ended in her raising a green flag, 2-3 to 0-1.

Two Bláithín Ní Chondubh frees kept Coláiste Choilm in touch.

They dropped a player back to bolster their defence and enjoyed a prolific spell before the interval, started by O’Connor’s first goal in the 25th minute. Her second left left them 2-6 to 2-5 in arrears at the break.

When she completed her hat-trick a few minutes after the restart, and with the breeze at their backs, they took the lead for the first time.

Coachford College responded brilliantly, and while keeping Coláiste Choilm scoreless for 15 minutes, they would hit six unanswered points with Manley (4), Sarah Sheppard and Eanna Duff all on target.

Leah Hannigan reduced the deficit to three points, and it was anyone’s game.

But it was Buckley’s third goal that put Coachford College in control, 3-12 to 3-6.

Lea Meillouin then combined with Manley to fire their fourth goal.

And they closed emphatically, striking the final 1-4, the goal from Buckley securing her hat-trick.

Scorers for Coachford College: L Manley (1-9, 0-3 45s, 0-3 frees), C Buckley (3-2), L Meillouin (1-2), E Duff, I O’Callaghan and S Sheppard (0-1 each).

Scorers for Coláiste Choilm Ballincollig: N O’Connor (3-1), B Ní Chondubh (frees) and L Hannigan (0-1 free) (0-4 each).

COACHFORD COLLEGE: S Coleman (Cloughduv); H Dineen (Cloughduv), R Jones (Inniscarra), S Carey Lynch (Aghabullogue); G O’Connell (Aghabullogue), E Barrett (Aghabullogue), E O’Callaghan (Aghabullogue, Capt); H Cooney (Aghabullogue), E Duff (Aghabullogue); Ava Murphy (Aghabullogue), L Meillouin (Inniscarra), S McCarthy (Aghabullogue); I O’Callaghan (Cloughduv), L Manley (Aghabullogue), C Buckley (Aghabullogue).

Subs: Alanah Murphy (Aghabullogue) for I O’Callaghan, S Sheppard (Cloughduv) for A Murphy (both half-time).

COLÁISTE CHOILM: E Ní Shuilleabháin (Ballincollig); K O’Regan (Ballinhassig), A Sweeney (Ballinhassig), A Crotty (Ballincollig); O Lynch (Ballinhassig), I Fleury (Ballincollig), M Ní Bhuachalla (Ballincollig); A Whelton (Éire Óg), C Roche (Éire Óg); B Ní Chondubh (Ballincollig),C Murphy (Éire Óg), E Ní Laoire (Ballincollig); S Galvin (Éire Óg), L Hannigan (Ballincollig, Capt), N O’Connor (Inniscarra).

Referee: Ciara Daly (Killeagh).