Drumshanbo's first-year volleyballers fall short against the brilliant Ballinasloe team

The Tide flowed back to Ballinasloe against Drumshanbo as Clonfert College from Ballinasloe Co.Galway beat Vocational Drumshanbo A 25-20  25-15.

Clonfert College is made up of the newly amalgamated Garbally College and Ard Scoil Muire, both in Ballinasloe. 

Last year, Ard Scoil beat these Drumshanbo girls in Junior C, but Drumshanbo avenged that result in the final. 

READ MORE: Leitrim residents join thousands at Irish Citizenship ceremonies

Now, with older girls added to the fold, Ballinasloe got revenge again, but this time, there is no comeback for the younger Leitrim girls.

Drumshanbo started well, with Poppy Doherty winning points on Rachel Guckian’s serve and then serving four herself. 

Amy Gilchriest served them level up to 14-14, but despite the valiant efforts of incoming sub Roma Dowler, Clonfert slipped away.

READ MORE: Leitrim people who attended Hugh Wallace talk in the Landmark 'were very much drawn to him'

After Lauren Noone served to 2, Poppy had another great run of serves, changing the score from 2-5 down to 7-5 ahead in set two. But Clonfert opened a big lead, despite very good defence from Inha Stoianova, Elena Munoz Garcia, and Africa Velasco, who also served very powerfully.   Late on, Jesica Lavin and Ava Reagan both hit good serves. Most of the panel are under age next year. They will be back.

Panel : (serves) Poppy Doherty (12), Rachel Guckian (2), Amy Gilchriest(2), Roma Dowler(1), Lauren Noone(1), Inha Stoianova (5), Elena Munoz Garcia (3), Africa Velasco(2), Jesica Lavin(1), Ava Reagan(1), Hannah Flynn and Ciara Farrell

Clonfert beat Mercy Mount St. Michael Claremorris A also which advanced them to the next round.