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Following on from seven regional heats, involving 151 teams (90 schools) and over 2,000 girls, the winners of each heat at Under 13 and Under 15 headed to the Cookstown venue to battle it out for the National trophy.  An Under 18 Senior Cup, which had involved 19 schools in a knock out competition during the last couple of months, was also decided on the day.

In the Year 8 / 9 section (Under 13) the standard of football during the group stages was fantastic, with Limavady Grammar, Ballyclare High, Our Lady and St Patrick’s College and Holy Cross College all securing semi-final positions.  In the first semi-final Limavady Grammar managed to secure victory against a strong Ballyclare side that had remained undefeated all day. 

In the other game Our Lady and St Patrick’s College played newcomers Holy Cross in a thrilling encounter which saw the Belfast team come out on top.  In the final Our Lady and St Patrick's College hoped to retain the trophy for the third successive year in a row, however, Limavady Grammar had other plans.  An end to end game finished in a draw, with penalty kicks required to determine the winners.  Limavady Grammar’s Amy Lee McIvor and Victoria MacQueen both calmly slotted home their penalties to secure the school’s first ever National Finals trophy.

In the Year 10/11 section (Under 15), the day was full of upsets with the favourites Malone Integrated College, Donaghadee High and Rainey Endowed exiting the tournament at the semi-final and group stages, respectively.  The final between Devenish College from Fermanagh and St Catherine’s College, Armagh was an extremely physical encounter with neither team wishing to concede a goal. 

Eventually in the second half it was the experience of County Armagh Centre of Excellence player Aoife Lennon that proved decisive as she found an opening in the Devenish defence before slotting the ball into the back of the net.  Despite the efforts of Rhonda McIlwaine and her side, St Catherine’s began to dominate the game and consolidated the victory with a second goal by Aisling McKenna three minutes before the final whistle. 

In the Year 12 / 13 (Under 18) Senior Cup Final, last year’s champions Thornhill College maintained their title with a convincing 9-0 victory over Limavady Grammar.  A hat-trick from Stephanie Yip, a brace a piece for Sinead Logue and Avilla Bergin, in addition to a goal from Shauna Meehan and an own goal from Limavady secured the victory.

Organiser of the event Sara Booth (IFA Women's Football Co-ordinator) was joined by IFA President Raymond Kennedy, and Eddie Ferguson, the Northern Ireland representative for Leeds Metropolitan University for the medals ceremony.

“Congratulations to all those concerned in organising such a successful day.  Leeds Metropolitan University are delighted to be involved with the Carnegie Schools Cup and are pleased to continue doing so in future years,” said Eddie.  Raymond was full of praise for the support from Carnegie in sponsoring not only the National Finals event, but also the seven regional heats.  “The contribution and support from Leeds Metropolitan University to girls’ football in schools has been excellent and through this partnership the profile of the game has greatly improved,” added the President.