Edmund Rice College win the Year 9 LGFA Gaelfast Shield

Edmund Rice College 6-3 v St Colm’s High School 3-3

Edmund Rice College won the Year 9 LGFA Shield when they came from behind at half time to beat Colum’s High School, Dunmurry in a highly entertaining final at Dunsilly on Wednesday evening. St Colum’s made the early running and went in at the break with a goal advantage (2-2 to 1-2). However the Glengormley girls turned things around in the second half and despite the heroics of St Colm’s goalkeeper Cassia Bailey, fought their way back to seal a well deserved win

**St Colum’s captain Mia Grace Ferris receives the Year 9 Shield**

St Colm’s started off scoring an early goal by their number 10 Cliodhna Kearney but Edmund Rice responded shortly after with a point from their midfielder Mae McKinley, after a great save from the St Colms goalkeeper Cassia Bailey. Cassia had to pull out another fantastic save which turned out to be one of many on the night for the St Colms goalkeeper who was becoming the talk on the sideline for an amazing performance with save after save.

Cliodhna Kearney rewarded her goalkeepers saves with a well worked team point but not to be outshone, the Edmund Rice goalkeeper, Brooke McGuinness made an excellent save at the other end after a super solo effort by St Colms stand out player Cliodhna Kearney.

St Colm’s extended their lead with a well taken point by wing half forward Sophia Bunting, but they needed another outstanding save by Cassia Bailey from point blank range to maintain that advantage. Edmund Rice kept the pressure on and from long range Mae McKinley scored her second point of the match to close the gap to 3 points and the Glengormley girls Edmund Rice drew level after constant pressure with a goal from full forward, Emer Casey.

St Colm’s produced a quick reply working the ball up the pitch from their kickout which resulted in a goal by Cliodhna Kearney which gave her team a three point advantage at the break.

HT scoreline. St Colm’s 2.2 v Edmund Rice 1.2

St Colm’s started the second half with another point from Cliodhna Kearney to increase their lead to four, but Edmund Rice showed great belief to keep the pressure on, thought St Colms defending was resilient, their tackling, blocking and fight was a joy to watch.

However the Edmund Rice pressure was starting to play off and Mae McKinley got her third point of the evening to close the gap to three again. The Glengormley school continued to apply the pressure and their hard work was rewarded when Emer Casey scored a second goal to bring her side level going into the final stages.

Edmund Rice were now controlling matters e with their excellent team play and never say die attitude, and their resilience was rewarded with another goal to put them three points ahead.

Bailey’s heroics in the St Colm’s goal was keeping the Edmund Rice girls at bay. With only minutes left for play Edmund Rice were awarded a penalty, and even though the excellent Bailey saved the initial shot, the Edmund Rice centre forward Maeve McMenamin reacted well and slotted home the rebound to seal a nine point win.