Lynch leads Stradbally to Roinn 2 Girls Shield glory

St Colman’s NS Stradbally 2-12 

Gaelscoil Phortlaoise 2-6 

ST Colman’s NS, Stradbally claimed the Roinn 2 Girls Shield title after overcoming Gaelscoil Phortlaoise in an entertaining Cumann na mBunscol final at O’Moore Park.

With the sides level at half-time, two second-half goals from Heidi Lynch proved decisive as Stradbally pulled away for a deserved six-point victory.

Stradbally made the stronger start, with Kadie Grace kicking the opening three points of the game. They almost found the net through Ailbhe Ryan, but Gaelscoil goalkeeper Elia Ní Riada produced an excellent save to keep her side in touch.

Sadie Ní Bhuacháin opened Gaelscoil’s account before further scores from Grace and Lynch pushed Stradbally two clear. However, the Portlaoise school finished the half strongly, scoring 1-2 without reply.

Ní Bhuacháin was unlucky not to score a goal when her effort was deflected over the bar by goalkeeper Eloise Lynch. Gaelscoil did get a major breakthrough soon after when Sarah Ramsbottom set up Emily de Siún for a well-taken goal. Ramsbottom added another point before the break to leave the sides level at 1-3 to 0-5.

Stradbally seized control after the restart, with Heidi Lynch leading the charge. She netted her side’s first goal before adding a point to restore their advantage.

Charlotte Ní Riagáin and Ní Bhuacháin kept Gaelscoil in contention, but Lynch continued to make her mark, adding another point before firing home her second goal of the afternoon.

Gaelscoil refused to give up and Ní Bhuacháin’s late goal cut the gap to four points with five minutes remaining. However, Stradbally finished strongly through Molly Grant and Keela Graham, who landed the closing scores to seal the win.

Lynch’s outstanding contribution after half-time proved the difference as St Colman’s NS celebrated a memorable success and lifted the Roinn 2 Girls Shield title.

St Colman’s Stradbally: Heidi Lynch 2-5, Kadie Grace 0-4, Keela Graham, Lexi Laffan and Molly Grant 0-1 each. Gaelscoil Phortlaoise: Sadie Ní Bhuacháin 1-3 (0-2fs), Emily de Siún 1-0, Charlotte Ní Riagáin 0-2, Sarah Ramsbottom 0-1.

ST COLMAN’S NS STRADBALLY: Grace Meade, Keela Graham, Ailbhe Ryan, Lexi Laffan, Amy Leonard, Clodagh Deegan, Heidi Lynch, Kadie Grace, Eloise Lynch, Holly Donnelly, Nadia Landos, Molly Grant, Katie Blanc, Tess Bennett, Jill O’Brien, Nicole Kelly, 

GAELSCOIL PHORTLAOISE: Elia Ní Riada, Aoife Ní Mhaolagáin, Fiadh Ní Bhuacháin, Lola Ní Mhaolchathail, Piper Ní Mhaolagáin, Charlotte Ní Riagáin, Niamh Ní Chlaonáín, Sarah Ramsbottom, Emily Nic Chormaic, Sadie Ní Bhuacháin, Emily de Siún, Áine Ní Bhroin, Sophie Delmara, Cassandra Thai, Megan Ní Cheallaigh, Ella Nic Uait,