Kilkeel High School’s first XI girls hockey team capped off an incredible week by winning the Ulster Intermediate Cup final on Thursday, March 13 — the school’s third Ulster title that week, following victories by the U-14 and U-16 teams. Facing a tough rematch against Cookstown High School, Kilkeel started strong, with captain Grace leading an early attack that was blocked by Cookstown’s defence.
The match played out as an intense, end-to-end battle, with both teams denied scoring chances by impressive goalkeeping. The final quarter saw Kilkeel press hard, earning multiple short corners, but Cookstown’s defence held firm, forcing the match to a penalty shootout.
Keeper Lilly-Ella set the tone with a brilliant save on Cookstown’s first penalty. Captain Grace and vice-captain Leah converted their shots with skill, while Lilly-Ella made another crucial stop. Kilkeel’s Kasey earned a penalty stroke after being taken down by the Cookstown keeper, and Leah confidently found the net. With successful finishes from Rebecca P and Katie, Kilkeel secured a 4-2 victory.
It was a triumphant end to a remarkable week for KHS hockey, with the first XI defending their Intermediate Cup title through sheer grit, determination, and teamwork — a performance that made the entire school proud.
Read reports from all three matches in the current issue.
