PREMIER SHIELD CHAMPIONS

Our women's team claimed their third title in less than 12 months, and what a performance it was.

Athboy were playing against the two-in-a-row Shield winners Cootehill Harps in the final, and had already suffered a heavy defeat away in Cavan earlier in the season.

But things were totally different this time around, as Athboy put a marker down early on to take control of the game.

After a host of half chances, Athboy took the lead after 15 minutes, when a well-worked corner from Meghan Ennis found Karen Larkin at the front post, who swivelled to make space and find the net.

Athboy doubled the lead six minutes later when Ella O'Toole's effort from distance was too powerful for the goalkeeper.

And there were further opportunities for Athboy before the end of the half, with both Larkin and O'Toole going close.

But when Athboy failed to clear a corner, Cootehill pulled one back just before the break to keep the final alive.

And with a fierce wind to defend against in the second half, Athboy were up against it, with Cootehill awarded a penalty early on, which was converted for 2-2.

But a defiant Athboy Celtic performance ensured there was only going to be one winner.

A brilliant through ball from Leigha Greer picked out Larkin who ran at the goalkeeper and shot into the corner confidently for 3-2 on 72 minutes.

And the pressure was eased on 89 minutes, when O'Toole beat the full back and whipped cross over the goalkeeper for Greer to volley into the roof of the net from close range to finish the game 4-2.

PREMIER SHIELD CHAMPIONS

Line-up: Davina O'Garry; Meghan Ennis, Aoife Gath, Hannah Ivory, Claire Regan; Nea Stina, Gemma O'Sullivan, Leigha Greer, Jessica Mullen, Ella O'Toole; Karen Larkin.

Substitutes: Amy Coughlan, Aoife McCormack, Annie Ennis, Fiona Boylan, Keira Monaghan.