Another momentous occasion for this exceptional group of girls, who once again showed unbelievable desire, work rate, aggression, skill and sheer determination to get the win last night.

With temperatures soaring over 20+ degrees, there was no room for passengers. Every player emptied the tank for the team. Huge credit must go to Gary, whose behind‑the‑scenes coordination is telling, especially given the constant hurdles thrown his way. This week alone many of the girls are juggling major commitments from the Glounthaune NS contingent contesting today’s Sciath na Scoil final to our U13 LGFA players preparing for Thursday’s East Cork final. The very best of luck to both groups in their respective finals.

With a depleted squad, we knew this was going to be a stern test. Thankfully, the U13s once again stepped up, with Jess Carr and Sarah Nyhan adding real firepower. Sarah was electric, helping herself to a superb hat‑trick from corner forward. Across the pitch, the work rate was phenomenal as the girls hunted in packs, chased down every ball and shut down Castlelyons at every turn. Wherever Castlelyons looked, they were met with a wall of blue and red. The hunger to win every contest was obvious to everyone watching. They did themselves and the club proud.

We had to reshuffle positions, but every single girl stood tall. In defence, Aoibhinn bravely took on the goalkeeper role and delivered a brilliant performance. Rachel O’Callaghan was rock solid at full back, with Ciara Farah and Sinead Conway locking down the corners. Our half‑back line of Danielle Quaine, Orlaith Ní Shúilleabháin and Ashley McCarthy were immense from start to finish.

Midfield was a powerhouse pairing, with captain Éireann Finn covering every blade of grass and Ciara Mullins doing a superb man‑marking job on the Castlelyons Cork representative. Their dominance was a huge platform for the team’s success.

Up front, we welcomed back Katelyn O’Connell after injury, with Ellen Murphy and Caoilainn Hegarty working hard in the full forward line. Our half forwards caused Castlelyons havoc all evening, with Emma Duggan grafting relentlessly at centre forward and both Chloe Clifford and Clódagh Finn proving constant threats, repeatedly carving open the Castlelyons defence.

From the bench, Jess Carr and Sarah Nyhan made an immediate impact, continuing their upward trajectory with every outing.

A brilliant team performance, full of heart and honesty. We now look forward to a County semi‑final against the winners of Ballinhassig vs Bishopstown who play this coming weekend.

Rogha Éireann abú! 🟦🟥

Team on the night: 1. Aoibhinn O'Leary, 2. Sinead Conway, 3. Rachel O'Callaghan, 4. Ciara Farah, 5. Orlaith Ní Shúilleabháin, 7. Danielle Quaine, 8. Ashley McCarthy, 9. Éireann Finn, 10. Ciara Mullins, 11. Chloe Clifford, 12. Emma Duggan, 13. Clódagh Finn, 16. Katelyn O'Connell, 17. Caoilainn Hegarty, 18. Ellen Murphy, 20. Jess Carr, 21. Sarah Nyhan, Olivia Kennedy (Unavailable).