An Bhradain Feasa see off neighbours to claim prize

The east coast battle of neighbours an Bhradain Feasa and Whitecross went the Drogheda schools way as they impressed to take the Girls Div 1 Shield in Pairc Tailteann on Sunday at the expense of the Julianstown school by 4-6 to 2-2.

An Bhradain Feasa dominated the opening half, but Whitecross were dangerous on the counter-attack and that threat coupled with some excellent defending kept them in the game.

Alannah Ni Leathlobhair opened the scoring for an Bhradain Feasa after two minutes with a converted free, but it took them another five minutes to break down the well organised Whitecross defence with Orlaith Nic Siurtain pointing after a rare error at the back.

Despite falling 0-0 to 0-2 behind Whitecross never gave up and got their reward after a sustained spell of pressure when a kick out went straight to Kate McKenna and she punished the error with a brilliant finish to the net.

That lead lasted just over a minute as an Bhradain Feasa responded with their opening goal when Ni Leathlobhain and Hannah Breacthnach linked up before the former fired to the net.

Emily Jane Nic an tSagairt stretched an Bhradain Feasa's lead with a point and in the 16th minute Shonagh Nic Conaill scrambled the ball over the line at the back post to make it 2-3 to 1-0.

Nic an tSagairt added a free on the stroke of half-time to secure a 2-4 to 1-0 interval lead for an Bhradain Feasa.

Whitecross threatened a recovery after the break and hit the opening two scores of the period with Rachel Hurley firing over two brilliant scores. However, an Bhradain Feasa settled again and took control with the aid of a fortunate third goal when Nic Conaill toe poked he ball over the line from close range.

A fourth goal followed in the 33rd minute when Nic Siurtain's shot from distance deceived everyone and ended up in tghe net to make it 4-4 to 1-2.

Kate McKenna replied for Whitecross with a goal direct from a '45' with 10 minutes remaining and some brilliant defending, especially from Kyla Khumalo, kept them in the game.

However an Bhradain Feasa finished strong with Niamh Nic Dubh scoring two excellent points and Ni Leathlobhair hitting the post in a rousing finish.

Gaelscoil an Bhradain Feasa - Caoileann Ní Raifeartaigh; Anna Ní Cheallaigh Ní Raghallaigh, Doireann Ní Choiléir, Bailey Dubhshláine; Freya Ní Choilleáin, Nyika Ní Dhúill, Abigail Ní Fhlatharta; Orlaith Nic Siurtáin (1-1), Emily Jane Nic an tSagairt (0-2 one free); Niamh Nic Dubh (0-2), Alannah Ní Leathlobhair (1-1 one free), Fiadh Tivnan; Isabelle Ní Chuana, Shonagh Nic Conaill (2-0), Alice Nic an Tuile. Subs - Layla Newport, Cara Ní Cheallaigh, Lily Ní Choistealbha, Alannah Fearn, Saorlaith Ní Ghiobúin, Mia Ní Bhraonáin, Hannah Breathnach, Caoilinn Nic Conaill, Saoirse Ní Dhúláin, Aifric Ní Mathúna, Stella Lee Ní Oistín, Cara Ní Éimhin. Mentors - Isabelle, Jessica, Ciarán.

Whitecross NS - Zara Obokhasebhor; Sofia Milne, Kyla Khumalo, Hannah Sixsmith; Lucy Kate Chawke, Azzy Modh Hadi, Angel Nkomo; Éabha Byrne, Kate McKenna (2-0 one '45'); Cara Byrne, Rachel Hurley (0-2), Izzy O’Reilly; Tara Lenehan, Layla Gavin, Zara Kelly. Subs - Pippa Sheridan, Erin Martin, Maya Corey, Sofia McEvoy, Sophie McGowan, Ellen O’Neill, Belle Carroll, Poppy Hill, Abigail Lowry, Lucy Royal, Chloe Whitling. Mentors - Cathal Hennelly, Glenn Jacob.

Referee - Julie Kavanagh (Rathregan NS).