A superb individual performance from Irish international Grainne Dwyer led Presentation Thurles to the All-Ireland Schoolgirls Cadette A title with a 34-27 win over Presentation Portlaoise.
In the most attractive of four finals at the National Basketball Arena yesterday, Thurles were in control throughout the game and edged ahead 23-14 at half-time despite the determined challenge from Portlaoise. Margaret Bourke was also influential for Thurles and while Ann Marie Dunne made sure the margin was never decisive, there was nothing Portlaoise could do to stop Dwyer's 20-point contribution.
The Cadette C final was also decided on the performance of an Irish schools international as Vivienne Shaw spearheaded Mount Temple's 34-25 win over St Mary's, Macroom with a 22-points total. Caroline Murphy scored seven for St Mary's.
The most convincing victory of the day went to St Nessan's, Limerick, in the Cadette D final as they defeated Colaiste Muire, Ennis, 51-26. The game started close with Sharon O'Loughlin and Amy Nugent getting Ennis off to a fine start. Before long, however, St Nessan's were pulling clear with the most notable scoring coming from Deirdre O'Brien (20 points).
The Senior D final was forced into extra time before St Nessan's claimed another title with a single point win (43-42) over Colaiste Eoin, Youghal.
St Nessan's seemed to be cruising thanks to the early display of captain Donna Fitzgerald but Mary O'Rourke inspired the response and the sides were level on 37 points at the end of normal time, but St Nessan's scraped home in extra time.
