Title for Dunshaughlin girls

Dunshaughlin CC became the latest Meath school to claim provincial glory when they defeated a strong Loreto, St Stephen's Green side to claim the Girls Leinster School SF D crown at Blanchardstown on Thursday afternoon. Following in the footsteps of Loreto Navan and Scoil Mhuiire Trim, Dunshaughlin went into the final on the back of some outstanding performances and their form didn't desert them on the big day as they swept aside the Dublin girls. Despite getting off to a slow start and allowing Loreto to open the scoring Dunshaughlin quickly settled with Maeve Scanlon on the mark. Both sides traded points, but Dunshaughlin used the wind to their advantage when Cliona Murphy scored a goal from long distance to put the Meath side in the driving seat. With a decent lead to defend Dunshaughlin managed to restrict the threatening attacks of Loreto. Aimee McQuillan was outstanding at the back and with Kate Whelan, Emer Keane and Niamh Keane also impressive the Dunshuaghlin rearguard stood firm. With Cheyenne O'Brien in excellent form and driving her side forward Dunshaughlin continued to add points and before the break they were further boosted when Emma Kennedy netted to make it 2-6 to 0-5 at half-time. Loreto resumed with a renewed vigour and closed the gap with a fine point. However, Dunshaughlin rarely looked threatened as the outstanding Lauren McCann and Leanne McMorrow ensured the Meath girls remained in control. As Loreto piled on the pressure, Dunshaughlin switched Lauren McCann to full-back and introduced Adrienne McCann to bolster the attack. The moves worked as Adrienne McCann kicked four points and Scanlon added a third goal to ensure Dunshaughlin emerged victorious and claimed the provincial crown. Dunshaughlin CC - Niamh Carroll (Dunsany); Kate Whelan (Ratoath), Laura Murray (Royal Gaels), Aimee McQuillan (Royal Gaels); Niamh Keane (Blackhall Gaels), Leanne McMorrow (Royal Gaels), Emer Keane (Blackhall Gaels); Lauren McCann (Ratoath), Clíona Murphy (Royal Gaels); Cheyenne O'Brien (Moynalvey), Aileen O'Sullivan (Walterstown), Emma McGill (Ratoath); Maeve Scanlon (Royal Gaels), Emma Kennedy (Royal Gaels), Laura McMahon (Royal Gaels). Subs - Adrienne McCann (Ratoath) for McMahon, Catríona Kennedy (Royal Gaels) for McQuillan, Roisin Bruce (Royal Gaels) for O'Sullivan, Roisin Hogan (Dunsany) for Emma Kennedy, Rachel Whelan (Ratoath) for Keane.