The Under 12.5 girls put the heartache of last year to rest when they overcame Clann Eireann in Carrickcruppen to claim the Under 12.5 championship.

The final score of 4:11 to 0:05 belied the game that unfolded as Clann Eireann stayed through to their nature and fought doggedly throughout ensuring Dromintee were rightly forced to earn the honours.

Dromintee were slow to start and basic errors together with pressure from the Lurgan side suggested nerves were a factor in the early stages.

A goal from Lily McBennett and points from Caoimhe O’Rourke, Emma Toale and Grace Conlon as well as Lily (3) laid the foundation for success.

A tenacious defensive effort marshalled by Sarah Murphy & Rosie Fox quelled the Orange & White raiders while young corner backs Emer O’Neill and Maria O’Rourke refused to yield restricting Clann Eireann to just three points.

Some direct words from the coaching team were required at half time but to their credit the girls rallied in the second period and a strong showing from Maggie Boden with a more direct approach to the forward line saw the side tack on key scores.

Some notable chances were squandered but goals from Grace Conlon, Caitlin Carnegie and Emma Toale saw Dromintee build an unassailable lead.

The defence continued to stand tall even allowing Ava O’Neill burst forward for a point to add to three from McBennett, Conlon and Toale.

Clann Eireann chances dried up and they were reliant on frees to keep their score ticking over.

Relief as well as joy greeted the final whistle as the girls maintained their unbeaten record in the season to win a title that last resided in Dromintee in 2005.

The girls were keen to remember coach Nicole McKenna who this week left for college in the UK and express their thanks to the entire coaching team as well as sponsors Lily Rose Floral design, Junction 20 fuels and Mc Scoops.

At the club subsequently 12 of the girls were able to share the limelight with 13 of their brothers who were on the U15 winning championship team at the Athletic Grounds on Thursday night last.

The dual championship wins coming hot on the heels of blitz success for the girls caps a thrilling week in the club with the focus now moving to the Under 17 & 13 boys over the next 48 hours.

The success of both sides this week owes much to the coaching structures both at club and school level in Dromintee and Jonesborough which have now reaped rewards for all.

The club would like to pay tribute to Clann Eireann who have set the standard in the county with their previous three in a row and thank all those involved in the staging and officiating of the final in Carrickcruppen today.

The girls now get a well earned rest and a change of scenery with their return to school to engage in other new and exciting activities.

Siblings playing on the winning u15 and u12 Girls teams.