Report and pics by Brian McKee

The sun was shining at Rossa Park yesterday as the home club laid out the red carpet for the ladies from Ardoyne Kickhams and Laochra Loch Lao. A crowd of over 400 people gathered for the final of the Antrim Ladies Junior B Final.

The warm welcome was repaid with a magnificent game of football by the ladies. They put on a display of passion, skill, determination and sportsmanship that are surely a sign that the days are long gone when the success of a club on the field is gauged by the performance of their senior men!

This was an historic occasion for Laochra Loch Lao as they were not only appearing in their first competitive final, but also went on to win a pulsating game with a scoreline of 3-09 to 2-08. Thrills, excitement, joy and heartbreak made it a day to remember for two teams who are so obviously at the heart of their respective communities.

Ardoyne played the first half with the wind at their back as they shot towards the Shaws Road side of the ground. It was clear from the throw-in that the Laochra Loch Lao backroom had done their homework and their game plan kept some of Ardoyne’s more noted players under control.

Shannon O’Connor however was a constant threat for the Ardoyne ladies with surging runs through the heart of the Laochra Loch Lao defence that paid dividends with a first-half tally of a goal and two points. Laochra Loch Lao were not to outdone though and replied with goals from Aine NicAoidh and Rachel Ní Daimhin.

Half-time arrived with a scoreline of 2-04 to 1-06 with every score being taken from play.

Laochra Loch Lao got off to a flyer in the second half with three points in succession that rocked that Ardoyne ladies before a goal from Katie Markey steadied the ship. The excitement grew as Adoyne chased the lead taken by Laochra Loch Lao and the crowd responded to the effort and skill being displayed by both teams.

Despite their best efforts, Ardoyne could not get back on terms and a goal by Roisin NíCeallaign for Laochra Loch Lao finally put the game beyond the reach of the Ardoyne ladies.

Laochra Loch Lao: Sorcha Ni Coinne Rachel Nic Eoghain Caitriona Ni Bhailis Claire Nic Giolla Rabhaigh Maebh Damary Séanna Lee Kavanagh Gearóidin Nic Cathmhaoil Caoimhe Ni Bhradaigh Shauny Shiels  Jennifer Adams 0-05 (1f) Aine Nic Aoidh 1-0  Fiona McAteer Rachel Ní Daimhin 1-04 Roisin Ní Cheallaigh 1-0 Rosie McNally

Ardoyne: Saoire Maguire Rachel Gilvary  Regan Hughes Grace McAllister Ciara McEvoy Colleen Waite Tiarna McAuley Rebekah Matthews 0-2 Lauren Coleman Ailisa Frame Kacie McLaughlin 0-1 Zoie McAuley 0-1 Erin Mailey 0-2 Fiona McKenna Shannon O’Connor 1-02 Katie Markey(s) 1-0