CROSS & Passion dominated Saturday’s O’Neills All-Ireland Post Primary Junior A semi-final in Ballycastle, but it wasn’t until early in the second half that they started to convert that dominance into scores to killed off the challenge of Munster champions Ursuline, Thurles on a 5-12 to 2-5 scoreline.
Ursuline won last week’s senior semi-final between the two schools but, apart from their opening score, a goal in the second minute, they didn’t look capable of a repeat.
That early goal came in response to Roisin McCormick racing through from the
throw-in to crash home Ballycastle’s opening score.
Eimear Heffernan scrambed home the Ursuline goal but Ballycastle hit back with an Anna Connolly green flag in the 12th minute.
However, despite dominating the play and creating at least five goal chances, CPC were to add just two McCormick frees before the break with Ursuline goalie Emma Kennedy in excellent form.
Maeve Kelly goaled for Ballycastle on the restart and when Charley McCarry added another, the Antrim school led 4-5 to 1-1 ahead with 35 minutes gone. Heffernan scrambled a second Thurles goal but McCarry replied for Ballycastle as they eased home.
Cross & Passion will face holders Loreto, Kilkenny – who beat them in last year’s
semi-final – in the March 18 decider. Loreto beat Presentation, Athenry 5-16 to 3-5 in their semi.
Meanwhile, St Pius X, Magherafelt lost out 0-6 to 5-9 in their All-Ireland Junior C semi-final against Borrisokane Community School in Newbridge.
The Derry school were dominant in the opening 10 minutes but couldn’t convert their chances into scores.
