Niamh McGinley is Player of the Match as Sacred Heart, Newry power to historic Ulster Shield final win

SACRED Heart Grammar School, Newry, are the new Ulster U20A Shield holders after a commanding 10-point victory over St Catherine’s, Armagh at Tullysaran, capping off a landmark season in which they competed in the U20 Grade A for the first time in the school’s history.

After clinching the Ulster B title last year, Sacred Heart stepped up to the elite Grade A level and wasted no time making their mark. The final scoreline of 2-10 (16) to 0-6 (6) crowned a remarkable campaign, showcasing grit, determination, and flair.

The first half of the final saw Sacred Heart face a strong breeze, but their bravery and confidence were evident.

They attacked with purpose, matching St Catherine’s stride for stride while their defence stood resolute. Zara Greenan’s composed kickouts were a notable feature throughout the game.

Cassie McAloon finished off a wonderful team move with a great finish for the opening goal and Caoimhe Ward added some well-taken points. By half-time, Sacred Heart had edged into a narrow 1-3 (6) to 0-4 (4) lead, laying the foundation for their second-half dominance.

With the wind at their backs in the second half, Sacred Heart took control. An outstanding goal by Player of the Match Niamh McGinley, coupled with a series of well-executed points saw them extend their lead to 2-9 (15) to 0-5 (5) by the 23rd minute, boosted by Lily Magee’s points off the left boot.

St Catherine’s managed a late point, but Sacred Heart added one more score to seal an emphatic 2-10 (16) to 0-6 (6) victory.

This triumph reflects the hard work of the management team — Masters Magill and McComb, who guided the U20s to the Ulster B title last year, and this year were joined by Miss Lennon, who helped steer the team through their first-ever Grade A campaign. The inspirational leadership of captain Siofra Doherty and vice-captain Anna McDonagh was pivotal, with both players leading by example throughout the season.

This victory that will go down in the school’s history books, not just for the silverware but for the determination and skill displayed at this new, elite level. With a talented squad and dedicated coaching team, the future looks bright for Gaelic games at Sacred Heart Grammar.