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On a blustery night in Banbridge, Sacred Heart Grammar School, Newry ended a 21 year wait for an Ulster football title by defeating Assumption Grammar School, Ballynahinch with a scoreline of 5-06 to 1-09 in the U20B Ulster Football Final.
Sacred Heart played against the gale in the first half and Assumption Grammar School raced into the lead with an early point. After some smart play, Sacred Heart replied with a goal and point of their own to lead 1-01 to 0-01 after 10 minutes. Sacred Heart then required a battling performance from a defence, including Sophie Keane, Emma O’Kane, Siofra Doherty, Maia Murdock, Blathnaid McCarthy, Anna McParland, and Molly Tumilty, to withstand the onslaught from their Co. Down rivals who led by six points at half time.
After an impactful team-talk from Mr McComb and Mr Magill, Sacred Heart returned to the field with the wind at their backs and a renewed sense of purpose and passion. Midfielders Francesca Hall and Anna McDonagh rose to the challenge and helped the team orchestrate several early attacks to score a few unanswered points. The goals followed which were all well worked and demonstrated the high-quality team play of the Sacred Heart outfit particularly in the forward line which included, Niamh McGinley, Lily Magee, Niamh Rice, Caoimhe Ward, Brenna McAloon and Niamh McGrath.
The pick of the goals was scored by Lily Magee who rifled an effort into the top right corner of the goal leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. The goal which earned Lily ‘Player of the Match’, energised the wall of green and yellow supporters there to cheer on the team, and galvanized the players on the pitch to push on. There were a few glimpses of Assumption’s prowess on the counterattack but the second half, supported by substitutes Sinead O’Neill, Aoife McNally and Sophie Fegan, belonged to Sacred Heart who led 5-06 to 1-09 as match referee Eddie Cuthbert sounded the final whistle. Sacred Heart had secured the long-awaited and much-anticipated Ulster football title, their first since 2003, to the adulation of the team who were joined on the pitch by delighted students, staff, parents, and friends of the school community for the trophy presentation which was lifted by team captain, Niamh Rice.
After a thrilling match that saw Sacred Heart clinch the Ulster title, the joint managers, Mr. Shane McComb and Mr. Jake Magill, along with coach Ms. Ceri Magone, expressed their immense pride in the team's performance.
Mr. McComb remarked, "We are immensely proud of the grit and determination shown by our team in securing the Ulster title. Their hard work and team spirit have been the cornerstone of our success. We are confident and excited about the challenges ahead, and we're ready to give our best against the Munster champions."
Adding to Mr. McComb's sentiments, Mr. Magill shared, "This victory is a testament to the team's outstanding commitment and resilience. Watching these young athletes grow and excel both on and off the pitch has been a remarkable journey. As we prepare for the All-Ireland semi-final, our focus is on maintaining this high level of performance. It is most certainly an exciting opportunity for the team to show what they are capable of."
Back in school as the whole school community gathered to welcome the winning squad, School Principal, Mr Comer praised the efforts of the entire panel and shared how much of a pleasure it was to watch the team battle to secure the victory. Head of PE, Mrs McAfee, added her thanks to the students who made the commitment to represent their school with the team captain lapping up the praise as she held the cup aloft in front of gathered students and staff. Sacred Heart Grammar School now prepares for an All-Ireland semi-final against the champions of Munster. They are daring to dream…
If you would like to support the school’s All-Ireland campaign, please contact smccomb419@c2ken.net for more details.
Sacred Heart U20B Ulster Football Squad
Lily Magee, Blathnaid McCarty, Emma O’Kane, Maia Murdock, Caoimhe Ward, Katie Owens Meehan, Francesca Hall, Anna McDonagh, Aoife McNally, Kate O’Hare, Sophie Fegan, Siofra Doherty, Niamh McGinley, Catherine Brown, Molly Brito, Grace Clancy, Brenna McAloon, Niamh McGrath, Aoibheann Mynes, Amy Murney, Niamh Rice (captain), Eimear Cassidy, Eimear McEvoy, Sinead O’Neill, Anna McParland, Molly Tumilty (vice-captain), Enya Hughes, Sophie Keane, Christina Rice
Management Team
Shane McComb, Jake Magill and Ceri Magone
