Brilliant Lumen Christi win first ever Ulster title!

Lumen Christi 9:25

Gaelcholaiste Dhoire Dungiven 1:1

Lumen Christi girls created history yesterday by winning their first ever Ulster title in emphatic fashion in Slaughtmanus.

Just over a year old, the Lumen Christi team hasn’t played many games together, but it still boasts some of the best players locally, and they have wasted no time in gelling. Players from the city come from Doire Colmcille, Steelstown and Sean Dolans, while the majority of the girls come from clubs in the county; Slaughtmanus, Craigbane and Claudy. The individual talent of each player has merged into a superb squad and that was proved yesterday as they dominated opponents Gaelcholaiste Dhoire Dungiven.

Doire Colmcille’s Niamh Casey was one of the stars of the show yesterday, hitting an incredible five goals as Lumen put on a commanding show of attacking brilliance, which made this a completely one-sided final.

The journey to their first ever Ulster final has been challenging but enjoyable for Lumen Christi, who defeated teams from Falcarragh and Letterkenny before defeating St. Cecelia’s College in the semi-finals.

In the end, no-one was going to deny them their win as they dominated for large periods, with the outcome of this game certain log before the final whistle.

Quick start

Lumen Christi opened scoring through co-captain and centre half forward, Cara McCauley who was instrumental in Lumen Christi’s attacking play throughout the first half.

Gaelcholaiste Dhoire responded with a point to tie the game and the Dungiven side were then given a further boost when their goalkeeper saved a penalty to deny McCauley a goal.

At the other end, a superb penalty save by Jane Carroll in nets for Lumen Christi kept her team ahead. But Lumen were eventually turned over in defence and a decent goal scored by Gaelcholaiste Dhoire meant that they had work to do to stay on top in this game.

As it turned out, this was the only time throughout the whole match that the Lumen’s defence looked exposed as from that moment there was no getting past Player of the match, Sarah Casey as well as Emer Mc Gonigle and Nicole Devlin who were all very solid in the half back line and anticipating any ball.

Nevertheless, The goal allowed Gaelcholaiste Dhoire to keep within touching distance 3-5 to 1-1 at half time.

Coach Paula Fleming was able to bring 3 half time changes into the game to cement Lumen Christi’s dominance in this game – Clara Casey, Ella Rae Devine and Rosa Gallagher all making their presence felt.

While the scores kept coming, Nora Harkin was instrumental in breaking down any Gaelcholaiste Dhoire counter attack to ensure there would be no fight back.

The second half was one-way traffic with Cara McCloskey dominating in both scoring and setting up plays with her team work with Cara McCauley particularly notable

McCauley made no mistake when awarded a second penalty in the game as she expertly drove it into the top corner of the net on the way to a very comfortable and memorable win for the Derry side.

The stand-out players for Gaelcholaiste Dhoire was midfielder Caoimhe Ni Dhiolun, who worked tirelessly and was the catalyst for every attack. Corner Back Caitlin Ni Chearnaigh meanwhile was strong in her defensive role.

For Lumen however, there were tremendous attacking displays from both Niamh and Clara Casey, while Cara Mc Cauley, Cara Mc Closkey, Sarah Mooney, Clara Mullan, Kate Harkin and Ella Rae Devine.

The win thrilled coach Fleming who praised her team after the game.

“Credit where it is due – it was a dominant display from a hardworking, committed group of players,” she said. “We are a newly formed team and this is hopefully a stepping stone to bigger and better things. It is a great day for the College as it is the first Ulster title in Ladies Football.

“Ulster LGFA Carly McClean was impressed with Slaughtmanus GFC in their hospitality and organisation of the game. Pity they couldn’t have done something about the hail-storm in the second half,” she laughed.

Lumen Christi College Scorers

Niamh Casey 5:2

Cara Mc Cauley 1: 10

Clara Casey 2:3

Cara Mc Closkey 0:4

Sarah Mooney 1:0

Clara Mullan 0:3

Kate Harkin 0:2

Ella Rae Devine 0:1