St Columban’s Camog’s etched their way into school history by lifting the Ulster Medallion Shield on Thursday last at Mallusk.
Playing against a strong Derry side, St Paul’s of Kilrea, the St Columban’s girls played with strength and passion from the first whistle. St Paul’s Kilrea were strong and were dominating mid-field until Caoimhe Poland tightened up on her player, which cancelled the feed of play to the Kilrea forward line.
Laura Joyce was outstanding at full back. He was no match for any of the forwards that attempted to take her on. Her defensive and striking ability was remarkable.
Laura Sloan and Nuala Fitzpatrick both played exceptional. Their first touch and distribution of the ball were first class. Shakira McComb stepped up to take frees and her accuracy was outstanding. Catherine Haughian’s work rate was astonishing. The County star covered every blade of grass on the pitch, and her leadership skills were first class.     
This was an unbelievable all-round effort from a team who have been working extremely hard over the past few weeks. Their ‘do or die’ attitude was evident when Claire Cunningham dived for a ball that was goal-bound during the dying stages of the game.
The last ten minutes were electrifying. St Paul’s would not give up and referee Paula Bell gave the Derry side every opportunity to take the game. However the St Columban’s girls fought to the end, holding their one point lead until the final whistle, coming out deserving Ulster champions. 
Coach Cathy Mulholland was ecstatic for the girls saying,
“These girls are an amazing bunch. Over this past few weeks they have put in an enormous effort. Their main focus was to give 100% honesty to themselves and to the team. I could not have asked for a better performance.
We are now looking forward to the All-Ireland Colleges semi final and I take this opportunity to ask all who can make it this weekend to come and support the girls. This is a memorable occasion for the girls and the school and we hope to give the Leinster champions a taste of the Mourne spirit which is evident all around St Columban’s at present”.

St Columban’s Team:
Shakira McComb (Longstone)Laura Joyce (Longstone)Laura Sloan (Attical)Louise Rodgers (An Riocht)Nuala Fitzpatrick (Attical)Caoimhe Poland (Longstone)Christina Trainor (An Riocht)Catherine Haughian (Longstone)Irene Rodgers (Longstone)Nadine Cunningham (Attical)Laura Donnelly (An Riocht)Danielle Newell (Ballymartin)Clare Cunningham (Attical)Nicole Kelly (Longstone)Moira Rodgers (Longstone)Orla Cunningham (An Riocht}Rosie Quinn (Attical)Anna Trainor (Attical)Denise Trimble (Longstone)Emily Keenan (An Riocht),

Congraulations Girls!