Gaelfast Year 9 LGFA Shield Final
Dominican College Fortwilliam v St Louise’s
PICS BY BERT TROWLEN
In an exciting and high-quality Antrim Year 9 LGFA Shield final, Dominican College Fortwilliam emerged victorious over St Louise’s, showcasing outstanding talent, teamwork, and individual brilliance from both sides.
Fortwilliam settled quickest, with Saorlaith Stewart and Molly Smith leading the early charge by landing several points. The north Belfast school then struck decisively, scoring three goals in the opening 15 minutes through Jessica Johnson and Lara Brady to build a strong platform.
St Louise’s refused to wilt, mounting a spirited fightback driven by midfielder Rhea O’Donnell and half-back Evie Magee McKenna. Their number 9 O’Donnell produced a standout performance, scoring 2-2 without reply, while Naoise O’Sullivan added a superb point. Fortwilliam responded with two more goals before the break, however, taking a five-point lead into halftime.
The second half began brightly for St Louise’s, who surged ahead for the first—and only—time in the game thanks to two quick goals from Evie Magee McKenna.
Fortwilliam’s resolute defending then paved the way for devastating counter-attacks, spearheaded by Mollie Mooney, Saorlaith Stewart, and Aoibhinn McKeown. Their sharp, crisp passing carved open the St Louise’s defence, allowing Molly Smith, Lara Brady, and Jessica Johnson to rack up further goals.
To their credit, St Louise’s battled right to the final whistle, forcing Fortwilliam goalkeeper Jennifer Dowdall into several crucial saves. Midfielder Cleena Conlon had the last say for St Louise’s, kicking the final two points of the contest.
Congratulations to Dominican College Fortwilliam on lifting the Antrim Year 9 LGFA Shield in what was a captivating display of emerging talent in ladies Gaelic football! Both teams can be proud of their contributions to a memorable final.
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Dominican College Fortwilliam
Starting Lineup
| No. | Player Name | Position |
| 1 | Jennifer Dowds | GK |
| 2 | Hannah Regan | |
| 3 | Eva Rankin | |
| 5 | Rua Fitzpatrick | |
| 6 | Caoimhe Moss | |
| 7 | Aine Maskey | |
| 8 | Molly Smith | |
| 9 | Mollie Mooney | |
| 10 | Saorlaith Stewert | |
| 12 | Jessica Johnson | |
| 13 | Ruby Cavanagh | |
| 14 | Holly Saunders | |
| 15 | Lara Brady | |
| 25 | Cara Flood | |
| 26 | Aoibhinn McKeown |
St Louise’s Comprehensive College
Starting Lineup
| No. | Player Name | Position |
| 1 | Scarlett Burns | GK |
| 2 | Eimear Donnelly | |
| 3 | Lucie Mulcahy | |
| 4 | Laci Lagan | |
| 5 | Niamh Cushley | |
| 6 | Nicole Rafferty | |
| 7 | Evie Magee McKenna | |
| 8 | Cleena Conlon | |
| 9 | Rhea O’ Donnell | |
| 10 | Darcie Gault | |
| 11 | Naoise Sullivan | |
| 12 | Isla Mullan | |
| 13 | Carragh Rainey | |
| 14 | Aoife Cullen O’Neill | |
| 15 | Molly Brammeld |