Bellurgan United take part in Louth School Girls League Finals Weekend

Both Bellurgan United U11 girls teams were in action in Oriel Park over the weekend at the Louth School Girls League Finals, while it was jubilation for Bellurgan red girls it was disappointment for the black team.

They started well and were holding their own against a strong Quay Celtic side, unfortunately a loose ball hit a Bellurgan defenders arm and the referee deemed this a penalty.

READ NEXT: LGFA All-Ireland IFC | St. Fechins progress to semi-final 

The young Quay player slotted home midway through the first half to give her side the lead, Teaghan Duffy the busier of the two goalkeepers in the first half, carrying off two great saves to keep the lead to the minimum.

Bellurgan came into the game more at the start of the second half with shots from Ella Goss and Kasey Hynes. Despite this pressure, Quay got a second to double her side's lead.

This was as close as it got for Bellurgan, and the Point Road side ran out the winner to take home the U11 shield. Bellurgan U11 Red ran out convincing winners over Castletown Belles, with goals from Edel Breen, Emmylou Conroy and Alex Reilly.

In the opening exchanges it was Bellurgan who had most of the chances midway through the first half Edel Breen got the first when she slotted home from a cross, shortly after Emmylou Conroy got the second after a counter attach to put Bellurgan 2-0 up.

On the stroke of half-time, Castletown Belles got one back to leave it 2-1 to Bellurgan at half-time.

Bellurgan started the second half well and had plenty of shots on the Belles' goals, but the heroics of the Belles' goalkeeper kept the scoreline as it was, with shots from Edel Breen, Emmylou Conroy and Erin Hughes keeping her on her toes.

It wasn’t long before Bellurgan got their third goal, and that came from Alex Reilly, who intercepted a loose ball to slot home.

Bellurgan kept the Belles at bay in the final few minutes by excellent saves from goalkeeper Alexa Ferguson, but they held on for a well-deserved victory.

(Bellurgan United U11 Girls Red - winners of LSGL Cup on Saturday in Oriel Park)

Bellurgan U13 girls win a thrilling match to become Cup winners.

This was a very competitive game from the off with no clear cut opportunities, however Quay got a break through in the ninth minute to go ahead.

After this Bellugan put more urgency into their play a cross coming in for Bella Roddy but was met by the Quay defence which would have been a clear chance on goal.

It wasn’t long before Bella had another chance a cross in from Niamh Mc Guinness saw her volley home 1-1, the game wasn’t level for long as a corner from Quay was headed home to make it 2-1 to Quay at half time.

Bellurgan started the second half well, another free kick from captain Niamh Mc Guinness aimed for Bella Roddy again, only for her shot to end up in the goalkeeper’s arms.

The tie was level mid-way through the second half when Sarah Devane volleyed home brilliantly low past the Quay goalkeeper to make it 2-2.

Bellurgans' midfield was well-managed by the ever-present Eva White, who picked up a nasty knock to the face, but that didn’t deter her with the help of captain Niamh Mc Guinness.

Quay had their chances, but a great clearance from Farah Flynn from a spilt ball and numerous clearances from Lexie Cunningham showed how resolute Bellurgan were in defence.

All the pressure in the dying moments was from the Bellurgan side. The ref blew the whistle, and that was it, full time, penalties.

Isabella Finnegan was the hero of the day, saving the first three penalties from Quay, with Niamh Mc Guinness and Abby Savage converting.

It was left to Sarah Devane to confirm the win, and that she did, cue the celebrations. Having lost the last two finals to Quay Celtic, this was a joyous win for the Bellurgan side.

(Hannah Traynor (Player of the Match U12) runners-up to Albion Rovers in their cup match)

Bellurgan U12 LSGL Cup Final

Bellurgan Under 12 girls were out to try to retain their title but came up short in a 3-2 defeat in a penalty shootout against Albion Rovers after a very entertaining, tightly contested match.

Bellurgan started the game well, and a cross from Chloe O'Connor was sent into the far post with sight of an open goal, but the shot was blasted wide.

Bellurgan maintained their pressure, and Chloe O'Connor was at the heart of most of that. Bellurgan created a meandering through the Albion defence, the ball broke to Clara O'Neill, who fired over the bar.

Albion had spent much of the half defending, but they pushed forward themselves, but to no avail, with the Bellurgan defence standing firm. Half-time and no breakthrough for either side.

Bellurgan dominated possession in the second half but just could not get the breakthrough they needed.

The Albion defence remained incredibly tough to break down, Bellurgan too had their well-organised defence with Hannah Traynor and Erin Mulrey holding firm, which saw Hannah Traynor winning player of the match.

Bellurgan continued to press hard with the duo of Clara O’Neill and Chloe O’Connor, but the Albion defence was rock solid and well organised.

As the full-time whistle approached, the spectators were getting more involved and vocally urging their teams to find a goal from somewhere. 

Full-time came and penalties for a second time for a Bellurgan side over the weekend. Albion Rovers ran out 3-2 winners in the penalty shootout to become the LSGL Cup winners 2025.

(Isabella Finnegan (Player of the Match) and Niamh McGuinness captain U13 winners)