Rathmore Senior Girl Footballers won the Ulster U20 C Shield at the Garvaghey Centre of Excellence, Ballygawley on Friday 28th February.
The girls defeated Virginia Community College Cavan 4-08 to 2-07 in a hard fought game that was nip and tuck throughout.
Captain Clíodhna Logan lifted the trophy on behalf of the team and also was awarded the Player of the Match.
The scorers were:
Goals: Aoife Kavanagh, Hanna Donaghy, Anna Adams (2)
Points: Catherine Thompson (1) Anna Adams (6), Hanna Donaghy (1)
Big congratulations especially to the four Upper 6 girls who played their final game for their school today – Hannah McAteer, Hanna Donaghy, Clíodhna Logan and Lauren Prior.
All the players in the squad have been a credit to themselves, their families, their clubs and the school! Well done to everyone concerned.
Imreorií:
Clíodhna Conlon, Jessica Morgan, Emer Kilmartin, Hannah McAteer, Beth Cartland, Lila McCann, Jessica McCartan, Sophie Bell, Catherine Thompson, Aoife McKavanagh, Clíodhna Logan, Hanna Donaghy, Anna Adams, Róise Matthews, Lauren Prior, Ella McArdle, Maria McLorinan, Lauren Gourley, Mia Molly, Orlagh Scannell, Kieran McLorinan, Róisín Quinn, Ella Rose Watson, Azelia Robinson, Eirinn Wall, Anna Newnham, Aoife McArdle
Antrim made it six on the bounce when they proved too strong for Wicklow at davitt’s Park on Sunday.
Antrim started this game in whirlwind fashion and with only 7 minutes on the clock they had the ball in the back of the Wicklow net three times.
Maria O Neill found the bottom corner after only two minutes and two minutes later Lara Dahunsi fired high to the net after a great interchanging of passes between Mellon and McKenna with the latter finding Dahunsi with an astute through ball.
Two minutes later Dahunsi was at it again when she got her second goal and her team’s third when her low shot rested in the bottom corner of the Wicklow net.
Antrim were in complete control at this stage and when Wicklow did break they found the Antrim defence in no mood to give much away with Niamh Mc Intosh and Ciara Brown in complete control at the back.
Luisne Adams then got the ball out on the right hand side and after beating two defenders she scored a great point from 35 meters as the Saffrons continued to dominate.
A long kickout from Aine Devlin then found Dahunsi and she took on the defender and laid the perfect pass of to Ana Mulholland who had run 60 metres in support and she made no mistake from the edge of the box.
The relentless Antrim pressure continued and Bronagh Devlin was next to rattle the Wicklow net after being found in space by Maria O Neill and she finished from close range.
Maria O Neill added Antrims final score of the half when she coolly slotted over the bar from 20 metres out.
Wicklow hit 3 points from frees in the first half and one from play and
they broke through near the end of the half but the impressive Aine Kelly made a timely interception for the Antrim girls.
The second half was similar to the first with Antrim in control despite the management team making 7 changes at the break but this didn’t disrupt the team whatsoever.
Nicole Jones, who was causing Wicklow endless problems banged in two goals, one on 35 minutes and the other on the 40 minute mark.
Lara Dahunsi chipped in with a point and then came the best individual score of the day.
Eimily Kearns got the ball out on the right hand side and beat two defenders and from what looked an impossible angle she hit a spectacular point from all of 40 metres to raise the biggest cheer of the day.
Lara Dahunsi had the final say of the day with two well taken points in the last five minute.
All in all an excellent performance from the Antrim girls which gaurentees top spot and a home draw in the semi-final.
Antrim were afforded the luxury of giving all their panel a run out and the Antrim management complemented their effort and dedication this season.
“We gave all our girls game time today. Every player in this group works so hard and deserves a run out. They all push each other so hard at training and encourage each other all the time.
We were really happy with the fast start and a few of our girls got their first start today and certainly didn’t disappoint but it’s one game at a time and it’s off to Derry next week so we will prepare for that game this incoming week said the Antrim management team”
TO VIEW MORE OF ELAINE KELLY’S PHOTOS CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW
St Dominic’s Grammar School v St Killian’s College
St Dominic’s Grammar School won the Year 9 LGFA Gaelfast Cup when they proved too strong for St Killian’s in Wednesday evening’s final at Dunsilly. The Falls Road school put together a highly impressive performance and though St Killian’s battled hard throughout they just could not match the over strength of the winners.
St Dominic’s captain Caragh Flynn receives the Gaelfast Year 9 Cup
St Killians won the throw in and worked the ball well into a scoring position but couldn’t capitalise to take an early lead. St Dominics opened the scoring with a point from full forward Mia Scullion followed by a goal by Niamh Keenan. St Dominic’s continued to impress throughout the first half with their excellent team play all over the field and prolific scoring. St Killians had nice phases of play too with slick hand passing and kick passing but a strong St Dominic’s defensive display kept the north Antrim school scoreless.
St Killians did manage a well-deserved point via a free kick by their star midfielder Georgie Twigg, after a dominant 5 minutes for the ladies from Garron Tower. St Dominic’s replied with another goal and finished the first half the stronger side going in at half time with a comfortable lead.
St Killian’s came out in the second half with fire in their bellies and put in a very strong second half performance scoring 3.6. Although the ‘Tower’ girls impressed in the second half, St Dominic’s maintained their lead and saw out the remaining of the match to become winners of the Year 9 LGFA Antrim Cup 2025.
Stand out performances for St Dominic’s were corner forward Katie Clarke for outstanding ball carrying, Caragh Flynn in midfield for pin point kick passing, full forward Mia Scullion for prolific goal and point scoring, Cara McAuley at wing half forward for her link-up play and Lucia Murphy for being solid at centre half back.
St Killians midfield pairing of Eimear Black and Georgie Twigg gave battling performances in midfield showing a desire to drive forward in possession and workrate to win the ball back. Georgie had an outstanding game doing the majority of the teams scoring.
Congratulations again to St Dominic’s on a real team performance and becoming Champions of the Year 9 LGFA Antrim Cup 2025.
To see more of Bert’s pics click on the link below
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.
St Colm’s goalkeeper Cassia Bailey who made a series of outstanding saves
To see more of Bert’s photos from the game click on the link below
MAIN PICTURE – The Glenariffe-Glenravel team who made history in 2024 by winning the Antrim and Ulster Minor Hurling Championship for the first time are seen here at the Oisins CLG dinner in the Tullyglass Hotel.
Senior Managers Hugh Dobbin and Shay O’Hagan presenting the Players’ Player of the Year award to Oliver Kearney at the Oisins GAC dinner in the Tullyglass Hotel.
Senior Managers Hugh Dobbin and Shay O’Hagan presenting the Most Improved Player of the Year to Ronan Leech (photo left) and the Most Dedicated Player award to Ben O’Boyle at the Oisins awards dinner in the Tullyglass Hotel.
The Glenariffe-Glenravel team and management who won the 2024 Antrim and Ulster Minor Hurling Championships were the stars of the show at the Oisins dinner Oisins treasurer Teresa Gettins presents a sponsorhip cheque to the Saffron Gael at the club’s dinner in Tullyglass Hotel
Padraig McIlwaine presenting the Supporter of the Year to Carol Ward and Orlaith McAllister presents Kate Ewings with the Senior Ladies Gaelic Football Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year.
Teresa Gettins receives the Clubperson of the Year awards from Hugh McIlwaine at the Oisins awards dinner in Tullyglass Hotel
TO SEE ALL THE PHOTOS FROM THE OISINS CLG DINNER CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW
