NEWS HISTORY MADE! BALLINTEER ST JOHN’S U16 GIRLS CROWNED DUBLIN DIVISION 1 CHAMPIONS
🏆 HISTORY MADE! BALLINTEER ST JOHN’S U16 GIRLS CROWNED DUBLIN DIVISION 1 CHAMPIONS
Dublin U16 Division 1 Football Championship Final
Ballinteer St John’s 2-14 | St Sylvester’s 2-5
Sunday, 25 October 2026 | BCS All-Weather Pitch | Referee - Reg Harbon
Written by Frank Magee
Ballinteer St John’s U16 girls made club history on Sunday, winning the Dublin LGFA Division 1 title with a nine-point victory over St Sylvester’s.
Against one of Dublin’s strongest underage teams, Ballinteer produced a performance full of skill, determination and teamwork.
*A strong first half*
Following the week’s stormy weather, the final was moved to the BCS All-Weather Pitch. Sylvester’s won the toss and chose to play into the wind, giving Ballinteer an early advantage.
Anna Kelleher opened the scoring after four minutes but Sylvester’s responded with a goal. Aoife Long then converted a free and added a superb point from play to level the contest.
Ballinteer began to take control. First Lucy Toher landed a brilliant two-point free kick from the edge of the arc and then followed it up with one of the scores of the afternoon, a superb left-footed shot from play , almost as far.
With Aisling Power and Ellie Watters working tirelessly in midfield, the defence competing fiercely and the forwards growing in confidence, BSJ continued to build momentum.
Further multiple scores from Toher, Long and Magee extended the lead.
*Magee strikes before the break*
As half-time approached BSJ dealt Sylvester’s a further blow . A superb goal to add to their tally .. It resulted from a super kick out from Eimear that was caught high into the air by Lucy who side stepped Sylvester’s defenders and drove forward at pace to pop it to Anna who was at the ready . Anna found Aisling Power, who surged through the Sylvester’s defence and released Aoife Magee. Magee collected the ball on the right, cut inside and fired an unstoppable shot into the top-left corner. What a team goal.
The goal gave Ballinteer a valuable lead, although Sylvester’s would have the wind at their backs after the interval.
Half Time Score BSJ 1-13 to Sylvester’s 1-0
*Training-ground move delivers again*
Ballinteer made the perfect start to the second half with a move straight from the training ground.
Anna Kelleher drove forward and found Aisling Power, whose well-timed run created space in front of goal. Power then picked out Aoife Magee, who punched the ball beyond the helpless goalkeeper.
It was a superb team goal and Magee’s second of the afternoon, with Power providing the decisive contribution once again.
Coming so soon after the restart, and with Ballinteer now playing into a strong wind, the goal was a huge confidence boost and gave the girls the platform to withstand Sylvester’s expected second-half pressure.
*Defence stands firm*
With Sylvester’s now enjoying the wind advantage, Ballinteer faced sustained pressure. The entire defence responded magnificently.
Bria Hedden, Caoilfhionn Boyle, Aoileann Carroll, Beth Pounch, Laura Ryan and Leonora Perry with their ‘hard-centre’ tackled relentlessly, competed for every ball and frustrated Sylvester’s every attack. Laura Ryan saved a certain goal by leaping high into the air and recovering a rebound off the post to the audible relief of the BSJ supporters .
Another Sylvester’s goal threat heading for the BSJ top corner from a Sylvester’s free dropping low was intercepted by Toher who dealt with it accordingly .
Cara Fortune, introduced at half-time, added further strength with a number of crucial clearances up the wing to Ciara Lane who was at the ready .
Goalkeeper Eimear O’Leary was excellent throughout, with her assured goalkeeping and accurate kick-outs helping Ballinteer retain possession and launch attacks in difficult conditions.
Power, Watters and Toher continued to work tirelessly in midfield, while the forwards tracked back to support their teammates.
Ballinteer were also unfortunate not to be awarded another point when a shot struck the post, appeared to catch the billowing net between the posts and bounced back into play.
Sylvester’s added a second goal, but Ballinteer remained composed and saw out a deserved nine-point victory.
The final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations among the players, mentors, families and supporters.
Full Time Score BSJ 2-14 to Sylvester’s 2-5
*Years of dedication rewarded*
The victory was the culmination of years of dedication from the players and their management team. Many of the girls have been together since nursery, guided throughout their football journey by lead managers Brian Carroll and David Power, their commitment and encouragement have been central to the team’s development.
Jack Lundy has played an important role over the past two years, generously giving his time and experience to help develop the girls’ football and confidence. His contribution has been hugely appreciated by players and mentors alike.
The wider management and support team included Derek Pounch, Síle Boyle, Mairead Long, Tom Lane, Cathal Watters, Darren Hedden, Frank Magee and our medic Rachel Devereux Toher .
Jasmine and Olivia missed the final while competing in the Samhain Cup in France. Their contribution in the campaign, like that of every squad member, is part of this achievement.
*History made — with more to come?*
Sunday’s victory marks a landmark moment for Ballinteer St John’s: the club’s first LGFA Division 1 title.
The girls’ season is not over, with the Camogie Championship still under way and the possibility of completing a remarkable football and camogie double.
For now, the girls can savour a historic achievement, a memorable afternoon at BCS and the reward for years of dedication, friendship and hard work.
*History made. One title secured. Perhaps another chapter still to be written.*
🧡🖤 *Ballinteer St John’s U16 Girls — Dublin Division 1 Football Champions 2026.* 🏆
---
*Ballinteer St John’s starting XV*
Goalkeeper: Eimear O’Leary.
Full backs: Bria Hedden, Caoilfhionn Boyle, Aoileann Carroll.
Half backs: Beth Pounch, Laura Ryan, Leonora Perry.
Midfield: Aisling Power, Ellie Watters, Lucy Toher.
Half forwards: Ciara Roche, Anna Kelleher, Aoife Long.
Full forwards: Aoife Magee, Ciara Lane.
*Match-day substitutes:* Cara Fortune , Ciara Fredericks & Eabha Power
Aoileann Kennedy injured wishing her a speedy recovery
📸 Many thanks to Paul Lundy for capturing the day
Dublin U16 Division 1 Football Championship Final
Ballinteer St John’s 2-14 | St Sylvester’s 2-5
Sunday, 25 October 2026 | BCS All-Weather Pitch | Referee - Reg Harbon
Written by Frank Magee
Ballinteer St John’s U16 girls made club history on Sunday, winning the Dublin LGFA Division 1 title with a nine-point victory over St Sylvester’s.
Against one of Dublin’s strongest underage teams, Ballinteer produced a performance full of skill, determination and teamwork.
*A strong first half*
Following the week’s stormy weather, the final was moved to the BCS All-Weather Pitch. Sylvester’s won the toss and chose to play into the wind, giving Ballinteer an early advantage.
Anna Kelleher opened the scoring after four minutes but Sylvester’s responded with a goal. Aoife Long then converted a free and added a superb point from play to level the contest.
Ballinteer began to take control. First Lucy Toher landed a brilliant two-point free kick from the edge of the arc and then followed it up with one of the scores of the afternoon, a superb left-footed shot from play , almost as far.
With Aisling Power and Ellie Watters working tirelessly in midfield, the defence competing fiercely and the forwards growing in confidence, BSJ continued to build momentum.
Further multiple scores from Toher, Long and Magee extended the lead.
*Magee strikes before the break*
As half-time approached BSJ dealt Sylvester’s a further blow . A superb goal to add to their tally .. It resulted from a super kick out from Eimear that was caught high into the air by Lucy who side stepped Sylvester’s defenders and drove forward at pace to pop it to Anna who was at the ready . Anna found Aisling Power, who surged through the Sylvester’s defence and released Aoife Magee. Magee collected the ball on the right, cut inside and fired an unstoppable shot into the top-left corner. What a team goal.
The goal gave Ballinteer a valuable lead, although Sylvester’s would have the wind at their backs after the interval.
Half Time Score BSJ 1-13 to Sylvester’s 1-0
*Training-ground move delivers again*
Ballinteer made the perfect start to the second half with a move straight from the training ground.
Anna Kelleher drove forward and found Aisling Power, whose well-timed run created space in front of goal. Power then picked out Aoife Magee, who punched the ball beyond the helpless goalkeeper.
It was a superb team goal and Magee’s second of the afternoon, with Power providing the decisive contribution once again.
Coming so soon after the restart, and with Ballinteer now playing into a strong wind, the goal was a huge confidence boost and gave the girls the platform to withstand Sylvester’s expected second-half pressure.
*Defence stands firm*
With Sylvester’s now enjoying the wind advantage, Ballinteer faced sustained pressure. The entire defence responded magnificently.
Bria Hedden, Caoilfhionn Boyle, Aoileann Carroll, Beth Pounch, Laura Ryan and Leonora Perry with their ‘hard-centre’ tackled relentlessly, competed for every ball and frustrated Sylvester’s every attack. Laura Ryan saved a certain goal by leaping high into the air and recovering a rebound off the post to the audible relief of the BSJ supporters .
Another Sylvester’s goal threat heading for the BSJ top corner from a Sylvester’s free dropping low was intercepted by Toher who dealt with it accordingly .
Cara Fortune, introduced at half-time, added further strength with a number of crucial clearances up the wing to Ciara Lane who was at the ready .
Goalkeeper Eimear O’Leary was excellent throughout, with her assured goalkeeping and accurate kick-outs helping Ballinteer retain possession and launch attacks in difficult conditions.
Power, Watters and Toher continued to work tirelessly in midfield, while the forwards tracked back to support their teammates.
Ballinteer were also unfortunate not to be awarded another point when a shot struck the post, appeared to catch the billowing net between the posts and bounced back into play.
Sylvester’s added a second goal, but Ballinteer remained composed and saw out a deserved nine-point victory.
The final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations among the players, mentors, families and supporters.
Full Time Score BSJ 2-14 to Sylvester’s 2-5
*Years of dedication rewarded*
The victory was the culmination of years of dedication from the players and their management team. Many of the girls have been together since nursery, guided throughout their football journey by lead managers Brian Carroll and David Power, their commitment and encouragement have been central to the team’s development.
Jack Lundy has played an important role over the past two years, generously giving his time and experience to help develop the girls’ football and confidence. His contribution has been hugely appreciated by players and mentors alike.
The wider management and support team included Derek Pounch, Síle Boyle, Mairead Long, Tom Lane, Cathal Watters, Darren Hedden, Frank Magee and our medic Rachel Devereux Toher .
Jasmine and Olivia missed the final while competing in the Samhain Cup in France. Their contribution in the campaign, like that of every squad member, is part of this achievement.
*History made — with more to come?*
Sunday’s victory marks a landmark moment for Ballinteer St John’s: the club’s first LGFA Division 1 title.
The girls’ season is not over, with the Camogie Championship still under way and the possibility of completing a remarkable football and camogie double.
For now, the girls can savour a historic achievement, a memorable afternoon at BCS and the reward for years of dedication, friendship and hard work.
*History made. One title secured. Perhaps another chapter still to be written.*
🧡🖤 *Ballinteer St John’s U16 Girls — Dublin Division 1 Football Champions 2026.* 🏆
---
*Ballinteer St John’s starting XV*
Goalkeeper: Eimear O’Leary.
Full backs: Bria Hedden, Caoilfhionn Boyle, Aoileann Carroll.
Half backs: Beth Pounch, Laura Ryan, Leonora Perry.
Midfield: Aisling Power, Ellie Watters, Lucy Toher.
Half forwards: Ciara Roche, Anna Kelleher, Aoife Long.
Full forwards: Aoife Magee, Ciara Lane.
*Match-day substitutes:* Cara Fortune , Ciara Fredericks & Eabha Power
Aoileann Kennedy injured wishing her a speedy recovery
📸 Many thanks to Paul Lundy for capturing the day
Cumann Naomh Eoin Baile an tSaoir
Address
T: BSJ Clubhouse 01 406 1373
© Ballinteer St. Johns GAA 2026