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The qualifying stages of the Carnegie Schools’ Cup comprised of seven regional heats for the Year 8/9 (Under 13) and Year 10/11 (Under 15) age groups.  Additionally, this year’s Senior Competition (Under 18) had 14 entrants, with the final between Sperrin Integrated and Devenish College also played as part of the National Finals Day.

In the Year 8/9 section St Cecilia’s College (Derry) and Coleraine High School remained undefeated during the group stages to secure their place as group winners in the semi-finals.  Limavady Grammar and Newtownabbey Community High School also earned a place in the semi-finals after finishing runners up in their respective groups. 

In the first semi-final St Cecilia’s played out a thrilling 0–0 draw against local rivals Limavady Grammar.  In the resultant penalties St Cecilia’s secured a place in the finals courtesy of goals from Demi Leigh Fitzpatrick and Celine Curtis.  Jody Shannon scored Limavady’s only goal during the shoot-out.  Final score St Cecilia’s College 2 – 1 Limavady Grammar.

Coleraine High proved too strong for Newtownabbey Community High in the other semi-final winning 2-0, with both goals coming from Katelyn McKane.  Final score Coleraine High 2–0 Newtownabbey Community High School.

The final between St Cecilia’s and Coleraine High was a nail-biting affair with both teams playing some fantastic football.  Katelyn McKane was at the heart of play for Coleraine, while Demi Leigh Fitzpatrick and Celine Curtis equally dominant for St Cecilia’s.  The winning goal came seconds from the end of play when Celine Curtis hit a powerful strike from 20 yards out with the deflection cruelly creeping into the goal past the helpless Coleraine goalkeeper.  Final score: St Cecilia’s 1–0 Coleraine High.

In the Year 10/11 section Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock (Belfast) cruised into the semi-finals winning all three games in Group A.  Oakgrove Integrated, hosts of the Finals Day, secured a semi-final slot after finishing runners-up in the group.  In Group B Cambridge House Grammar (Ballymena) and Thornhill College (Derry) secured a place in the semis, finishing first and second, respectively, in their group.

Little separated Our Lady and St Pat’s and Thornhill College in the opening semi-final, with the game ending in a 0–0 draw.  Successful penalty conversions from Jessica Foy and Jessica Carty were enough to secure Our Lady and St Pat’s place in the final.  Oakgrove earned their place in the final following a 2–0 victory over Cambridge House.

In the final Our Lady and St Pat’s proved too strong for Oakgrove, with two goals from Jessica Carty and an own goal separating the two teams.  Final score: Our Lady and St Pat’s 3–0 Oakgrove. 

The final of the Senior Cup between Sperrin Integrated (Magherafelt) and Devenish College (Fermanagh) produced a thrilling game of football.  Fresh from their victory over cup holders Thornhill College, Devenish opened the scoring when Louise Noble broke away from her marker to unleash an unstoppable shot on goal.  The goal seemed to spur Sperrin into action with Simone Magill, Leola McErlane and Terri Simpson relentlessly attacking the Devenish backline, only to be thwarted by the well marshalled defence led by the excellent Rhonda McIIlwaine. 

Both teams started the second half well and had several chances on goal only to be denied by some excellent goalkeeping at either end.  Seven minutes from time Mykylea Stewart struck a free kick from 20 yards out that soared into the back of the net to tie the game at 1–1.  Boosted by the goal Sperrin went in search of the winner and were rewarded seconds from the final whistle when McErlane crossed a ball in from the right wing to Terri Simpson at the back post who was able to tap the ball into the net.  Final score: Sperrin Integrated 2 – 1 Devenish College.

Organiser of the event Sara Booth was joined by Peter Rogers, the Dean of Sporting Partnerships at Leeds Metropolitan University for the medals ceremony who said: “What a great day and a testament to the continuing development of women’s football in Northern Ireland.

"From a Carnegie perspective we have seen the girls’ school competition improve year on year, with better coaching, more skilful players, improved organisation and more competitive games.  It was a credit to the Irish FA Girls’ Grassroots Development team, ensuring a bright future for women’s football in Northern Ireland. Many thanks to all those who played a part.”