St Louis Grammar School v St. Dominic’s Grammar School Belfast
St Louis Ballymena won their first Gaelfast title when they beat St Domic’s Belfast in Wednesday’s Year 9 LGFA Year 9 final at Woodlands. The game began as a tense, cagey affair, with both teams showing early nerves. Defences dominated throughout, as strong tackling and excellent teamwork kept scores low on both sides.
St Louis struck first with a high ball delivered from midfield that found its way into the St Dominic’s net for the opening goal. St Dominic’s responded swiftly through midfielder Katie Cassidy, who produced a brilliant solo effort starting from the 45-metre line. She evaded several defenders with superb skill before finishing calmly to level the contest.
The first half remained tight and competitive. St Dominic’s took the lead when Eva Eastwood found the net, but St Louis replied almost immediately at the other end through full-forward Dervla O’Kane. St Dominic’s finished the half strongly, building a four-point advantage heading into the break as further scores came from Eva Eastwood, Autumn Adeyemi, and Cliodhna McCourt to give them the edge.
The second half showcased outstanding individual brilliance and skill. St Dominic’s defence stood firm for much of the period, with standout performances from Maya Soda, Grace Tracey, and Síofra Kearns, who repelled repeated St Louis attacks.
However, in the final 10 minutes, St Louis mounted a determined comeback. Wing-forward Iona Maguire produced a moment of individual magic with a great solo goal, reducing the deficit to just one point and swinging momentum firmly in their favour. St Louis hit a purple patch, with midfielder Niamh Maguirescoring a crucial 1-1 (a goal and a point), while midfield partner Fainait Scullin added another point to establish a solid lead.
St Dominic’s pushed hard to regain control, but St Louis goalkeeper Sarah Convery and full-back Erin McGregor stood firm, thwarting their efforts. Defenders Áine Dobbin, Chloe McKay, and Maria O’Boyle also played key roles in clearing danger and transitioning the ball upfield.
St Louis held on resolutely to secure a famous four-point victory, bringing the cup to Ballymena for the first time in the school’s history.
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St Dominics
| Number | Player Name | Position |
| 1 | Tegan McAllister | GK |
| 2 | Rioghnach McGlone | Full Back |
| 3 | Grace Tracey | Full Back |
| 4 | Siofra Kearns | Full Back |
| 5 | Niamh McVeigh | Half Back |
| 6 | Carly Muckian | Half Back |
| 7 | Maya Soda | Half Back |
| 8 | Orla Doherty | Midfield |
| 9 | Katie Cassidy | Midfield |
| 11 | Autumn Adeyemi | Half Forward |
| 12 | Darcy Gregory | Half Forward |
| 13 | Eva Eastwood | Full Forward |
| 14 | Aoife Jones | Full Forward |
| 15 | Jane Douglas | Full Forward |
| 24 | Cliodhna McCourt | Half Forward |
SUBS
| 6 | Elise Kelly (GK) |
| 17 | Aisling McGoran |
| 18 | Ella Clarke |
| 19 | Shanna McLaughlin |
| 20 | Aoife Donnelly |
| 21 | Katie Chapman |
| 22 | Aoibhe Martin |
| 23 | Laura Lyons |
St Louis Grammar School
| Number | Player Name | Position |
| 1 | Sarah Convery | GK |
| 2 | Annie Scullion | Full Back |
| 3 | Erin McGregor | Full Back |
| 4 | Megan Kelly | Full Back |
| 5 | Chloe McKay | Half Back |
| 6 | Aine Dobbin | Half Back |
| 7 | Erin Heffron | Half Back |
| 8 | Fainait Scullin | Midfield |
| 9 | Niamh Maguire | Midfield |
| 10 | Iona Maguire | Half Forward |
| 11 | Alice Man | Half Forward |
| 12 | Maria O’Boyle | Half Forward |
| 13 | Dacey Devine | Full Forward |
| 14 | Dervla O’Kane | Full Forward |
| 15 | Roisa McMullan | Full Forward |
SUBS
6 Lana Scullion (GK)17 Kaitlin McAteer, 18Caitlin Gannon,19Louisa Blanaru, 20Rosie O’Boyle, 21Tess Bradley, 22Ella McCaul, 23Eadaoin McCloskey, 24Maia McCollum, 25Sian McCormick, 26Niamh Kearney, 27Anaya Lewsley, 28Ellie McAuley, 29Caitlin Gannon, 30Julia Wrobel