Al Ireland Schoolgirls Championship Round-Up
March 24, 2026
The All Ireland Schoolgirls Championships took place at The Royal School Armagh last Thursday and Friday, with three Leinster teams competing for the title of All Ireland Champions. Holy Child Killiney, winners of the Leinster Senior Premier, Loreto Kilkenny, Leinster South Senior Cup Champions, and Wesley College, Leinster Senior Cup Champions, all travelled north for two excellent days of hockey.
The eight competing teams were divided into two groups of four, with each team playing the others once. The top team in each group progressed to the Kate Russell Trophy Final, while the teams finishing second would compete for the Daphne Hall Trophy.
Holy Child Killiney and Loreto Kilkenny were placed in Group 1 alongside The Royal School Armagh and Crescent College. The tournament opened with an excellent contest between Holy Child Killiney and The Royal School Armagh, which finished 2–2 after an end-to-end encounter. In the other opening fixture, Loreto Kilkenny faced Crescent College, with the sides playing out a tight 0–0 draw.
An all-Leinster clash followed as Holy Child Killiney defeated Loreto Kilkenny 2–0, putting Holy Child in a strong position heading into the final group matches. Loreto Kilkenny produced a strong performance in their final game but The Royal School Armagh found the decisive moments to win 2–0. Holy Child Killiney were then narrowly defeated by Crescent College, but their earlier results secured second place in the group and a place in the Daphne Hall Trophy Final.
In Group 2, Wesley College were drawn alongside Banbridge Academy, Scoil Mhuire, and Coláiste Iognáid. Banbridge Academy started strongly in the opening game, with Wesley unable to find their rhythm and falling to defeat. Wesley responded brilliantly in their next match, winning a thrilling encounter 3–2 against Coláiste Iognáid.
In their final group game, Wesley College defeated Scoil Mhuire 2–0, continuing their strong response after the opening defeat. However, it proved heartbreak for Wesley as Banbridge Academy, Scoil Mhuire, and Wesley College all finished on six points, with goal difference separating the sides. Wesley narrowly missed out on second place to Scoil Mhuire by a single goal.
In the Daphne Hall Trophy Final, Holy Child Killiney faced Scoil Mhuire in another thrilling contest. Both teams enjoyed periods of momentum throughout the game, but Scoil Mhuire edged a 3–2 victory, leaving Holy Child Killiney to finish fourth overall.
Meanwhile, Wesley College continued their strong performances in the placing matches, securing a 2–0 win to finish fifth place in the tournament.
Congratulations to all the teams who took part and represented their schools so well over a fantastic two days of hockey. A special congratulations to Banbridge Academy, who were crowned champions after winning the Kate Russell Trophy.
An action-packed day unfolded on March 18th, continuing the fantastic atmosphere and top-class hocke..