They returned home to a jubilant welcome in Buncrana on Sunday night, as a Garda escort accompanied a cavalcade of up to 50 cars in a lap of honour around the town. There was also a special reception on Monday morning in the school assembly hall.

Teacher and coach David Deeney says the team have done Buncrana, and the whole of Ulster, proud.

“We went down to Athlone with a high degree of confidence. The girls had already proven themselves this year by wining the Ulster Championship, and they were determined to go down to the competition and and represent the province to the best of their ability.

“After our very tough first two games, we were still in high spirits and felt we were in with a very good chance. It was only on the final day that the team knew the result would go their way. The girls did themselves, and the school and everyone proud.”

During the early games on Saturday, Scoil Mhuire saw off challenges from St Alexandra College of Dublin and St Caimin’s Community School of Shannon. On Sunday, three teams were level, meaning two games had to be played to determine the final winners.

Scoil Mhuire met Ballina, while Alexandra took on St Caimin’s.

Scoil Mhuire worked extremely hard in defence as early signs showed St. Mary’s dominating proceedings in the first ten minutes. But the Buncrana girls made a positive impact on the game with a goal early on courtesy of Emma Breslin.

St. Mary’s scored an equaliser shortly afterwhen the Connacht side were awarded a penalty. Ciara Bourke stepped up to fire the ball into the net. Scoil Mhuire took the lead again after some good work in midfield which saw an exceptional ball delivered to the feet of Captain Sarah Parker. Her fancy footwork led her to tap the ball in from close range.

St. Mary’s again levelled the game at 2 – 2. Their second goal came from Allana Naughton, who shot from outside the 6 yard box. However, Scoil Mhuire soon rebounded with a fantastic shot from Maria Browne that crept past the Mayo keeper, making the half-time score 3 - 2 in favour of Buncrana. David Deeney’s Ulster side dug deep and executed another well taken goal in the second half with Sarah Parker getting her second of the match. The Donegal defence grew more confident as the match progressed and held their nerve as St. Mary’s increased the pressure on goal. There were cheers of joy as the final whistle was blown with Buncrana winning 4 – 2. After the two games, the contest was decided on goal difference as Alexandra College and Scoil Mhuire were tied on four points each. There were jubilant scenes in Willow Park when Scoil Mhuire were crowned All Ireland Champions.