Moran outstanding in finals

THE All Ireland schoolgirls' finals got under way in celebratory style at the National Basketball Arena yesterday.

While the Irish under 16 team were presented with their 1996 Four Country Championship medals at half time of the senior A final, their coach, Ger Tarrant, and his assistant, Graeme Williams, were busy issuing instructions to finalists Presentation Listowel and Moyne CS.

By then Tarrant's charges were well on their way to achieving a unique four in a row at this level. After a shaky start, two three pointers from Isabel Fitzell and eight points from Irish under 18 international Dara Barrett put them 26-13 in front by the interval.

The phenomenal Susan Moran was the toast of Sacred Heart Tullamore as they again achieved the double, clinching both the Cadet B and Senior B titles.

In the Cadet B final, Tullamore's experience helped them to a comfortable 85-59 victory over St Joseph's Castlebar. Before being substituted in preparation for the senior final, Moran amassed a staggering 60 points to guide last year's Cadet and senior champions to their first trophy of the afternoon.

Moran was also the main protagonist in Tullamore's Senior B final victory over Mercy College Sligo. Aided by centre Orla Dempsey, who also played an important part in the earlier final Moran inspired her side to a comprehensive 67-36 victory, netting 48 points despite playing off four fouls for most of the second period.

Presentation Castleisland captured their third successive A Title by defeating Mercy College, Coolock 65-50 in the Cadet final.