Release Date: 17/12/2008

THE Dale Farm Belfast Schoolgirls league concluded on Tuesday at Olympia Leisure Centre with a number of teams in each age group vying to win the title.

With 10 games in total scheduled for the day it was always going to be a tense affair for players, teachers and organisers.

In the year 8/9 section Dominican College knew a victory against Knockbreda High would be enough to steal the league title away from Newtownabbey Community High who were sitting at the top of the table. 

In a thrilling encounter Dominican dominated from kick off and within a few minutes were ahead when Olivia McCloskey got on the end of a Sarah Masterson cross, expertly striking the ball into the bottom right had corner of the goal. 

Despite the best efforts of Knockbreda, Dominican defended well and sealed the victory and league title when they were fortunate to sneak a goal when a shot by Olivia McCloskey deflected off one of the Knockbreda defenders before going into the net.

In the final year 8/9 game of the day St Colms High earned a third place position in the league when they also defeated Knockbreda High 2 – 0 courtesy of two goals from Saoirse Tennyson. 

Newtownabbey Community High School finished in runners up position in the league and also had the honour of collecting the top goalscorer award for the Year 8/9 league.

Centre forward Terri Evans received the award having scored an impressive five goals.  Her closest rival was teammate Victoria Moore who scored four.

Speaking after the event Dominican College teacher Jonny Donnelly commented: “The entire school is extremely proud of what the junior and senior teams have achieved this year.  They have excelled in an extremely tough league where the standard of football was exceptional from all schools involved.  The year 8/9 team will be presented with their trophy by the principal (Miss S McGahan) at assembly on Thursday.” 

With seven games remaining in the Year 10/11 section the league title was very much there to be won. 

Hazelwood commenced the day second in the table knowing that two victories would be enough to secure the league.  In their first game against league contenders Our Lady of Mercy the nervous tension was obvious with neither team managing to create enough space to unleash a shot on goal. 

A half-time team talk by PE teacher Sabrina Campbell seemed to kick start the Hazelwood team and within minutes of the restart the impressive duo of Louise Doherty and Rebecca McConnell had combined to put the girls in blue on the scoresheet.   Minutes later McConnell grabbed her second and secured victory for Hazelwood. 

Dominican College were slowly closing the gap on Hazelwood with victories against Newtownabbey Community High and Dundonald High ensuring a final game showdown against Hazelwood.  In a fantastic game of football both teams attacked from the outset with Nicole Connolly in dominate form for Dominican and McConnell and Doherty controlling the central midfield area for Hazelwood. 

Once again it was the formidable striking force of McConnell and Doherty that produced the early break through with Doherty sliding a precise ball between the heart of the Dominican defence which McConnell clinically finished.  Minutes later Doherty added a second. 

Spurred on by the second goal Dominican replied with a fantastic strike by Emma Dornan and despite piling the pressure on the Hazelwood defence failed to find the equalizing goal. 

PE teacher Sabrina Campbell expressed her delight at her team’s achievements: “The girls played extremely today and have been consistent throughout the league.  Captain Louise Doherty and Rebecca McConnell were particularly outstanding today and they were supported by solid performances from the rest of the squad. 

“I am extremely proud of the girls and the teachers and pupils at Hazelwood will be thrilled that we are bringing back the league trophy.”

In the other significant game of the day Knockbreda High secured runners up position in the league when they drew 1 – 1 with the east Belfast school Dundonald High.

Rebecca McConnell of Hazelwood College was awarded top goalscorer in the league with an impressive tally of 10 goals in six games.

IFA Women’s Football Coordinator and organiser of the Dale Farm Belfast Schoolgirls league spoke after the event and commented: “The standard of football in this league has improved so much over the weeks and I am delighted for both Hazelwood and Dominican. 

“Both leagues were extremely tight and the teams pushed each other all the way.  There is such a demand for school leagues throughout Northern Ireland and I would hope that we can deliver on these next year. 

“Once again I would like to thank Dale Farm for their continued support, without which we would not be able to deliver all the events.  Their partnership is helping us to put girls and women’s football on the map.”

« Go Back