The O'Kelly Cup, an indoor gaelic football competition for girls in third and fourth classes, was played on Wednesday 23rd November in Loughlinstown Leisure Centre. This year there were eleven teams competing and as ever the standard of football on display was excellent. The competitors this year were Roundwood, Carnew, St. Fergal’s A and B, Kilmacanogue, St. Brigid's, Rathnew, Donard, Ashford, Scoil Chualann and Valleymount. After a very exciting series of round robin games the semi-finalists emerged as Roundwood, Kilmacanogue, Donard and Valleymount. The first semi-final saw Kilmac face Valleymount. With Bridín Geoghegan dominant at midfield and their goalkeeper Roisín Ryan also excelling, the team from the west took an early lead which they never relinquished despite the best efforts of a brave Kilmac side. At the final whistle Valleymount emerged winners by nine goals to five. The second semi-final between Roundwood and Donard was a hard fought affair with no quarter asked or given. Donard started quickly and by half time led by four goals to nil. However, inspired by the excellent Amy Murphy, Roundwood hit back and in the end Donard were glad to hang on to victory by seven goals to five. This meant that there would be a new name on the cup as no school from the west had previously won the trophy. The early stages of the final were nip and tuck as every time Valleymount scored Donard replied before a Martina Nolan goal helped Valleymount open a five - three half time lead, this despite a first half hat trick for Donard by the excellent Emma Byrne. Inspired by player of the tournament Bridín Geoghegan Valleymount forged ahead at the start of the second half, helped by a two goal salvo by Niamh McDonnell. Despite some brave goalkeeping by Shauna Kennedy, and some excellent play by Samantha Mills and Jade Manley, Donard were unable to close the gap and Valleymount emerged as winners by thirteen goals to ten. One of the most pleasing aspects of the day was the number of teams who remained behind after the group stages to play friendly games. This reflects the Cumann na mBunscol emphasis on participation and shows the spirit in which the matches were played. Valleymount: Roisin Ryan, Elle Walsh, Chloe Leonard, Deirdre Vaughan, Martina Nolan, Bridin Geoghegan, Julie Shannon, Claire O'Flaherty, Niamh McDonnell, Emma Callaghan, Lisa Miley and Bianca Walsh. Donard: Shauna Kennedy, Sinead Keogh, Claire Curran, Emma Byrne, Samantha Mills, Jade Manley, Ellen Walsh, Niamh McCarthy, Kate Rogers and Rebecca O'Neill. Everyone involved on the day would like to wish the organiser Paraic Corbett a speedy recovery from his recent injury. It's sad to see such a promising football career cut down (still in its prime?)!