The impressive new South Lake Leisure Centre in Craigavon played host to the All Ireland School Finals 2022. The competition has been running since 03/04 and is an important part of the schools’ calendar each year as each school hope to take the coveted titles back to their home counties.
Getting us started first was Senior Boys and representing the Ireland schools was St Brigid’s College. The school last made an appearance back in 2018-19 but lost in a tense 5 setter that day. Today unfortunately was to be yet another defeat as Portadown College took a straight sets victory over the Galway Side.
In the senior Girls Dalriada School were looking to make it three in a row however they would face a stern test against the previous All Ireland u16 winners Holy Family SS. After the first set going the way of the Antrim school Holy family settled down and were able to keep the scoreboard ticking over to grab a 3-1 victory. MVP Sophie Quinlivan Nolan for Holy Family.
Next up was the U16 boys Patrician HS. The new school burst onto the scene this year and continued today with their impressive style of volleyball. Fresh of their U16 national title and school cup wins over the last 3 weeks they added the All Ireland to the trophy cabinet with a dominant 2-0 victory over Portadown College. MVP Emillo Tumamao for Patrician HS.
Our final match of the day saw Holy Family SS take on Portadown College in the U16 girl final. With both schools having multiple teams present on the day we were sure of some quality volleyball. Holy Family however once again proved too strong for their opponents and grabbed the win to make it a double for the Kildare school.
MVP- Aine Dowling
VLY. wish to thank all players, coaches and organisers for a fantastic day of volleyball. Today highlighted once again the amazing volleyball talent we have on this island and offered a real showcase for our sport.
