Gallagher inspires Marist Dundalk to victory over Coláiste Ide in All-Ireland Under 19B Girls Schools Cup Final

A massive 33-point haul by Megan Gallagher inspired Marist Dundalk to a 62-37 victory over Coláiste Ide in the 2023/24 All-Ireland Under 19B Girls Schools Cup title match in the National Basketball Arena on Monday.

The game MVP spearheaded Dundalk’s attack right from the off as she accounted for eight of the 14 points they put up in the first quarter.

Coláiste Ide kept themselves in contention thanks to buckets from Sheila and Cait Ni Laoire Nic Aodh and Caoilinn Ni Laoire as the Kerry side faced a five-point deficit heading into the second period.

An 11-point run, that featured a sublime three by Zaraih Faapito and which was supplemented by buckets from Gallagher and captain, Elahna Faapito, saw Marist open up a 14-point advantage that was pushed out to 16 by the half-time recess.

Scores were not so quick in coming early on in the third quarter and, while Dundalk managed to add only nine to their tally in that period, their opponents were unable to capitalise and, instead, found themselves a further two adrift.

Indeed, just when it looked like they might at least take that quarter, Elahna Faapito popped up with a big three 18 seconds from the buzzer to ensure Dundalk did not lose any group.

Sheila and Cait Ni Laoire Nic Aodh hit a couple of scores for Coláiste Ide, but the Kerry side were just not getting enough return for their efforts.

In contrast, Marist continued to prove a lot more ruthless down the stretch with Gallagher landing three buckets in quick succession before Anna Markey and Elahna Faapito also got in for scores as Dundalk stormed to a comfortable win in the end.

“We’re absolutely over the moon” said Marist Dundalk head coach, Sinead O’Hagan.

“We only came up from ‘C’ last year and we lost the All-Ireland Final in that, but the girls have really put in the work.

“Right from the beginning of the year, we said we were going to win the All-Ireland and that has always been in our mind-set.

“The girls are a credit to the school. Basketball is up and coming there and we’re just going to really keep it going” she said.

 

Quarter Scores: Q1: 14-9, Q2: 35-19, Q3: 44-26, Q4: 62-37

 

Marist Dundalk:

Megan Gallagher, Anna Markey, Hannah Morton, Robyn Markey, Jessica Daly, Zariah Faapito, Elahna Faapito (Capt.), Rachel Sheridan, Faye Ward, Sophie Waters, Chloe O’Brien, Sarah Ellis-McAlester.

Head Coach:  Sinead O’Hagan

Top Scorers: Megan Gallagher (33), Anna Markey (10), Elahna Faapito (9)

 

Coláiste Ide:

Cait Ní Laoire Nic Aodh, Alison Nic An Ghoill, Caitlíona Nic Carthaigh, Sarah Ni Cholgáin, Caoilinn Ní Laoire, Sheila Ní Laoire Nic Aodh (Capt), Robyn Nic Gabhann, Claragh Ní Chonchuir, Sophia Ní Mhocháin Georgina Ní Chiarnain, Saorla Ní Laoire, Lilian De Cléir.

Head Coach: Regina Prindibhil

Top Scorers: Sheila Ní Laoire Nic Aodh (13), Cait Ní Laoire Nic Aodh (11), Caoilinn Ní Laoire (8).

 

MVP: Megan Gallagher (Marist Dundalk).