IN a thrilling display of skill and determination, Dalriada School’s Under 16 Girls’ volleyball team clinched the All-Ireland title, defeating Coláiste Muire in a nail-biting final at the Sport Ireland Indoor Arena in Dublin.
The match, which was live streamed and attended by many travelling supporters, saw Dalriada emerge victorious with a 2-1 set win over their County Clare opponents (25-13, 20-25, 15-6).
The victory marks a significant achievement for the County Antrim team, who were driven by a spirit of redemption after narrowly missing out on the title last year to the very same team.
Head coach, Dr. Ian Walker, praised the team’s effort and resilience, saying: “These girls have worked tirelessly, showing heart, resilience, and an unbreakable team bond. This victory is a testament to their dedication and passion for the game! Thank you to everyone who has supported them to this point.”
Led by their inspirational captain, Hope Ballantyne, who also captains the Northern Ireland Under 18 side, the team showed incredible determination, skill, and teamwork to bring the title back to County Antrim.
Hope went on to say: “Our team and our support were nothing short of outstanding and we dug deep when it mattered most, because a deciding set can be such a gamble. It is such an honour to follow in the footsteps of so many previous Irish winners from our school who I have looked up to for many years.”
The final was a spectacle of volleyball excellence, with Dalriada dominating the first set 25-13.
Coláiste Muire fought back in the second set, winning 20-25, but Dalriada’s prowess shone through in the decisive third set, securing a 15-6 victory.
This win not only brings the All-Ireland title back to Dalriada but also marks their 10th such championship, further cementing their status as one of Ireland’s premier volleyball schools.
The school community is celebrating this remarkable achievement, proud of their team’s hard work and dedication.
