Sunday 20^th October, on Abbotstown's 3G pitch, saw U15A Division 1 Championship final between Lucan Sarsfields and Ballyboden. A match up, which, for the Lucan girls, has occurred many times over the past 3 years. The results have always been close but not usually in Lucan's favour.

However, on Sunday afternoon the changing room before the match was noticeably different to previous encounters. A distinct air of confidence was present, some nerves, but on this day the girls were determined to change the history of this match up.

The lead up to this championship final reflected the determination of the changing room on Sunday. They played 4 matches, 3 group games, 1 semi-final, scoring 117 points and only conceding 16, this was a team on a mission.

Led out by captain Lily Rooney and supported a large squad of U15 and some brilliant U14 players (fresh from their victory on Saturday), they took to the pitch.

The first 10 minutes saw the girls put that determination into action; normally slow starters, but not on this day. Wave after wave of attack had the Lucan girls completely dominating. The normally vocal Brian Brophy was quiet, smiling and confident. Unfortunately, the many shots at goal went left and then right, left again and none between the posts. The score line did not reflect the effort of the Lucan forwards who were at the front of this Lucan onslaught.

As normal, the game saw furious battling between the Lucan and Boden girls. The ref set the standard early in the game and frees were plentiful.

After 10 minutes the girls got their first score and then a couple more to give them a 3-point lead. The mentors could not have asked for more, 15 players playing as well as they ever have.

Half time score: Lucan 0-5 Ballyboden 0-0

As expected, the second half saw an equally determined Ballyboden side take the to pitch with the wind behind them. This was not going to be easy for the Lucan girls. Lucan started solidly again but Boden challenged a number of times, putting goalkeeper Erica under pressure, forcing her to make some amazing saves. A quiet first half for her, however during this second half she got to demonstrate her invaluable puck outs, reflecting the Boden onslaught. A lucky goal brought Boden closer and Mister Brophy was no longer quiet!

The battle continued and Boden brought the game equal. Mentors worried that the missed first half chances were going to come back to bite. But not today. The Lucan girls persisted and turned the game. With several yellow cards reflecting the desire from both teams, Lucan upped the game with more waves of attack. The Boden defence held solid and did not let Lucan's forward line see the net.

An amazing outfield catch by Leah Dunne, sandwiched between two Boden players summed up that there would be no loss for Lucan today. A long range free by Aoibheann Scott put them a point ahead, but no room to relax. With the clock ticking down Sinead Daly got another point for Lucan and then the sound the girls have been waiting for 3 years came, the ref's whistle. Lucan Sarsfield’s U15 girls win the title. Tears, hugs, dancing (and not just the girls) - hard work and determination pays off. Never have a group of girls deserved this victory as much as these girls.

Mentors and Parents are so proud of all the girls for the success across all 5 championship matches. Many years of hard work by Gary, Robbie, Kevin, Michele and Orla (GPS analysis had Orla covering the most ground on Sunday!), and more recently James and Brian, have paid off.

Full time score: Lucan 0-8, Ballyboden 1-3

Player of the match: Lucan Sarsfield's Aoibheann Scott

Team : Erica Collins, Sinead Farrelly, Clara Finn, Lucy Fox, Cara Ware, Clíodhna Ní Bhuachalla, Alannah Fox, Lily Rooney, Aoibheann Scott, Aisling Behan, Hannah Gibbs, Sophie McIntyre, Leah Dunne, Sinead Daly, Ella Lacey, Aideen Somers, Rachel Fox, Sarah Browne, Ellie Gaire, Kellie O’Brien, Aoibheann Stokes, Tara Hollowed, Reah Canning, Kate O’Connell, Aisling Colfer