Cumann na mBunscol 2026 - Girls Division 2 11/13-a-side
This year our girls participated in the Division 2 competition for Cumann na mBunscol. The pitch size for this competition is 90m by 70m.
The eight teams in this group were:
- Manchan’s N.S., Mohill
- Gaelscoil Liatroma
- Scoil Mhuire Naofa (Carrigallen)
- Scoil Mhuire (Bornacoola)
- Caillin’s N.S., Fenagh
- Patrick’s N.s., Drumshanbo
- Scoil Chlann Naofa, Ballinamore
- Drumlease N.S.
While the group consisted of eight teams, each team played 5 matches against randomly drawn opponents. At the end of the five games the top two teams advanced to the League Final and the third and fourth teams advanced to the Shield Final.
Our girls were drawn to play Fenagh, Ballinamore, Drumcong, Bornacoola and Annaduff. The bad weather before and after the Easter break meant games had to be postponed. This resulted in a backlog of fixtures which resulted in us playing two games some weeks. This was a tough ask on the team as they also had club training and games, The Fleadh and Féile.
The girls recorded victories over Drumcong, Bornacoola, Annaduff and Ballinamore. They were narrowly defeated by Fenagh in Carrigallen GAA Grounds. These results meant they qualified for the Division 2 Shield Final against St. Patrick’s N.S. (Drumshanbo).
All roads led to Drumkeeran on Saturday, May 23rd as our girls' team took on St. Patrick’s N.S. (Drumshanbo) in the Cumann na mBunscol Division 2 Shield Final.
After last year’s narrow defeat to Ballinamore, the girls were on a mission to reclaim the Division 2 Shield title. Ms Kelly and Ms Dockery had the girls training hard in the run up to the final and they arrived in Drumkeeran primed and ready to go.
The team lined out as follows:
Goalkeeper: Ava
Defenders: Míla, Emily, Alannah & Caoimhe
Midfield: Heidi & Finea
Forwards: Brooke, Bella, Anna & Fiona
Finishers: Gwen & Emily
The game started in a whirlwind fashion with Carrigallen attacking the dressing room end. Heidi, Finea, Brooke and Anna opened with some fine scores to race into an early lead.
Drumshanbo then got a foothold in the game with a period of sustained pressure. The defence lead by Míla and Emily stood firm and put their bodies on the line with several blocks and last-minute tackles. Drumshanbo registered 3 points in this spell. Eva made a fine save to deny Drumshanbo a certain goal. From this attack, Emily broke through two tackles and off loaded to Finea who sent Heidi through one on one. Heidi gave the goalie no chance placing the ball low and hard into the left corner. Brooke intercepted the kick out and sent Carrigallen through for another goal and the green flag was raised. Drumshanbo and Carrigallen traded points before the half time whistle blew.
Ms Kelly and Ms Dockery calmed things down at half time. While Carrigallen were well in the lead, both managers knew that the game was far from over. Carrigallen would be playing against the wind and hill in the second half. Brooke was moved into midfield with Finea moving into the forwards.
The referee threw in the ball Heidi rose highest to claim the ball. She burst through the defence to set up Finea who scored a lovely point. Despite being well behind, Drumshanbo were not going to surrender. They launched a good attack from the kickout and scored a great point. This was followed quickly by two more. Ava got a great kickout away with Drumshanbo pressing and Finea got another score. Drumshanbo then laid siege to the Carrigallen goal and despite Eva’s best efforts, Drumshanbo raised two green flags – GAME ON.
The next kick out was intercepted after a mix up in defence. Drumshanbo raced through one on one but were denied by a fantastic save from Ava. This came at a great cost as Ava had to go off injured with a sprained wrist/hand. Gwen stepped in between the posts to see out the rest of the second half.
Drumshanbo rattled off 4 consecutive scores to really narrow the lead. Carrigallen were struggling to gain possession from their kickouts due to a good press by Drumshanbo. Bella made a great run up the wing and Gwen picked her out brilliantly with the kick out. This took huge pressure off, but Carrigallen were unable to capitalise as the attempt went wide. The Carrigallen forwards ably assisted by Brooke and Heidi won possession and this resulted in a good point. This was a vital score as it took pressure off the backs and allowed them to reset.
With the game entering the final minutes it was all hands to the pump for both teams. Drumshanbo raised a green flag but Carrigallen responded with a goal of their own. The teams then traded points. Brooke and Alannah then secured a vital possession from a kickout. Anna made a good run through the defence and recycled the ball to Emily who scored a great point.
Drumshanbo threw everything they had in the final minute and a half but the defence, marshalled by Gwen thwarted any goal attempts. The referee blew the final whistle and the girls were Division 2 winners. Cue the celebrations 😊 😊 😊
Padraig Kenny presented the cup to our captain (Heidi) in front of the players, siblings, friends and parents. What a special moment for the girls and community.
A sincere thank you to referee Kieran Moran (referee), the Leitrim Cumann na mBunscol Committee for organising an excellent competition and Drumkeeran GAA for hosting the final and providing such a professional and welcoming venue.
Well done to all of our players and their management team of Ms Aisling Kelly and Ms Dockery on a fantastic season.
We are incredibly proud of you all.
