Crescent bid for Kate Russell glory

Crescent College Comprehensive will bid to turn a golden era in Munster into tangible rewards on a national stage, as their hosting of the Kate Russell All-Ireland Schoolgirls Championship gets underway in Limerick today. Ollie O’Connor’s side have annexed three of the last four Munster titles, but success in the national tournament — which sees the five provicinal champions (including South East) face off in a round-robin format, has thus far eluded them.

Alexandra College, who halted St Andrew’s three-in-a-row bid and have talent to burn in the form of Irish U18s Deirdre Duke, Erika Hinkson and Emily Beatty, as well as Nicola Gray’s corner threat, are arguably favourites on paper. Ulster kingpins Lurgan have fond memories of Limerick, having claimed the honours the last time Crescent hosted in 2003, while Galway’s Coláiste Iognáid claimed victory as recently as 2009. Kilkenny College will be the dark horses. Crescent have plenty of weapons of their own though, as they seek a first ever national success. Six of their side have interpro experience with Munster and in Roisin Upton, they have a classy fulcrum with Youth Olympic experience. She and Tara Lyons run the midfield, while Aileen McMahon is the totem up front, ably supported by Ciara O’Sullivan. Their right flank is particularly strong thanks to the assured build-up play of Orla Hickey and Jane Dickinson. Kate Russell All-Ireland Schoolgirls Championships, Crescent College Comprehensive, Limerick, Day 1 9.30am: Crescent CC (Munster) v Lurgan College (Ulster); 11am: Coláiste Iognáid (Connacht) v Loreto Kilkenny (South East); 12.30pm: Lurgan College v Alexandra College (Leinster); 2pm: Crescent CC v Coláiste Iognáid; 3.30pm: Loreto Kilkenny v Alexandra College.