Sacred Heart Westport are champions of Ireland

ALL-IRELAND PPS JUNIOR A FINAL

Sacred Heart Westport 3-9

Moate Community School 2-10

ELPHIN

Long-cherished dreams became bright, sparkling reality in Orchard Park, Elphin this afternoon when the mighty girls from Clew Bay became All-Ireland Junior A champions. The scoreline is only the headline, the real story is one of skill, style, spirit, heart, desire and an unflinching refusal to be beaten.

Moate, the reigning All-Irleand champions were outstanding opponents and it took the performance of a lifetime from the Mayo girls to win the precious crown.

They were under pressure right from the off but led 2-4 to 1-4 at half time after goals from Saoirse Reynolds and Rheanna Hoban and three points from the deadly Katie Hughes and another from Emma McGing.

Moate were hugely dangerous every time they attacked and had three goal chances in the first two minutes but Lauren Cusack and the woodwork kept them out.

They eventually found the net when brilliant full-forward Anna Ryan smashed home but Sacred Heart were fighting for every inch of ground and they had warriors in every part of the pitch. The Westport girls were determined to leave every ounce of energy on the pitch and that's exactly what they did.

Moate came out in explosive fashion after the restart with Ryan, Chloe Malone and Ally Duffy t the fore. The scores were level after 36 minutes when Ryan blasted home and it seemed as if the reignng champions would take over, but Sacred Heart drew a line in the sand.

They fought for everything with Aoibhinn McNamara and their outstanding half-back line of Emma Conway, Clara Kennedy and team captain Caragh Keane to the fore.

Katie Hughes kicked two points to get the Mayo girls back in front and when the excellent Saoirse Reynolds was fouled for a penalty, McNamara smashed it home. Hughes pointed again soon after and they were six points up with 15 minutes to play.

All along the sideline there were scenes of wild emotion as Moate tried to rescue their crown and Sacred Heart tried to win their very first A title. The champions kept swarming forward and closed the gap to three but a McNamara point after 53 minutes gave the leaders a little breathing space.

However, the Westmeath girls believed they could rescue the situation and with Ryan and Duffy running at the heart of Westport it took heroic blocks and tackles to keep them out.

Two minutes into injury time, Ryan pointed to leave two between them and they knew a goal would win it. They powered forward, Ryan wriggled through and shot for the roof of the net, but Lauren Cusack saved brilliantly.

A minute later, the final whistle sounded and history had been made. Sacred Heart School Westport were All-Ireland A champions and the team managed by Clodagh McManamon and Brian Regan had etched their names in Mayo sporting history forever more.