The referee, when presenting the Shield, summed it up best: this was one of the finest games of football he had witnessed in his 15-year career. “Open, direct, clean, and with nothing between the teams… nobody deserved to lose this one.”

It was a contest of the highest quality, with the lead changing hands no fewer than 11 times. After 20 minutes of extra time, St Jude’s finally edged BSJ by the narrowest of margins. If it had been a horse race, a photo finish would have been needed.

Were the BSJ supporters disappointed? Of course. But the overwhelming sense at full time was that we had witnessed something special, a magnificent contest played in the right spirit. The BSJ ladies gave absolutely everything, leaving the pitch exhausted but proud.

BSJ started strongly, racing three points ahead before St Jude’s capitalised on a defensive error to hit the net. Level again. Momentum swung towards Jude’s, who tagged on two more points to lead 1-04 to 0-05. Back came BSJ with a superbly taken goal, only for Jude’s to respond once more. By half time the score stood at St Jude’s 1-08, BSJ 1-06. There was nothing in it, and the crowd were gripped by the superb spectacle on the all-weather pitch.

Jude’s came out flying after the break, stretching their lead to 1 -11 to 1-06. BSJ needed to dig deep, and they did. A brilliant goal and a string of points brought it back to level. With minutes remaining, BSJ surged ahead by two. The excitement was unbearable, parents, children, and supporters all on the edge of their seats, hands on their heads. But St Jude’s refused to lie down and clawed it back. Right at the death BSJ attacked once more, breaking the defensive line searching for a winner but the final shot grazed the post on the wrong side and with it came the final whistle and a pause for breath. 3-12 to 2-15. Extra time beckoned.

The rollercoaster continued. BSJ struck a fantastic goal to lead by three in the first half of extra time. Yet Jude’s once again responded, levelling with points before winning a penalty from a goalmouth scramble. The penalty was converted, and with our goalkeeper carded, BSJ were down to 14 players against 15. Still, the fight never wavered. Trailing 3-18 to 4-14, BSJ incredibly battled back with a player down to level once more. Missed chances kept nerves jangling, and when Jude’s edged ahead late on, it proved just enough. BSJ pressed in a desperate flurry for an equaliser, but time ran out.

It was a heartbreaking way to finish, but also a performance to be proud of from the BSJ girls. They have made great progress this year integrating new young players and the potential for this group is there for all to see. The large home support that turned up (thank you for coming in such numbers!!) saw a team and a performance to be proud of even if the result wasn’t what we were hoping for.

One moment summed up the spirit of the evening. With minutes left, Ruth went down with cramp near the St Jude’s dugout. One of their mentors set aside the tension of the final to help stretch her leg, ensuring she could play on. A small act, but one that spoke volumes about the values of the GAA: respect, community, and sportsmanship.

A shout for Isabelle Ryan, stationed at full back who was the BSJ POTM. Never gave an inch, worked tirelessly, and launched attacks out of defence at every opportunity. 

In the end, BSJ were pipped at the post, but what they gave was unforgettable. This was a classic final, one for the ages.