Navan O’Mahonys 3-11 Dunshaughlin Royal Gaels 1-8

The lashing rain didn’t dampen the spirit of a jubilant home crowd at Paddy O’Brien Park, who watched Colin O’Rourke — in his debut year as manager — lead the team to back-to-back league titles, following their Division 2 success in 2024. O’Mahonys’ 3-11 to 1-8 victory over reigning champions Royal Gaels was a statement of intent heading into championship season, where both sides are expected to clash again in what is fast becoming a thrilling rivalry.

Despite the miserable weather, O’Mahonys came flying out of the blocks and could have been out of sight early on. In the first five minutes alone, they created three clear-cut goal chances — smashing the crossbar, hitting the post, and forcing a goal-line clearance. Charlie Murray was especially unlucky, striking the upright with a well-taken effort, while Megan Collins was denied by a heroic defensive block.

However, it was Royal Gaels who got on the scoreboard first, taking advantage of the chances created to slot over two early points. Denise McGrath responded with a sharp point from play before Orlaith Mallon converted two frees to put O’Mahonys ahead.

Robyn Murray made her presence felt in goal with a brilliant stop midway through the half, denying a goal-bound effort and keeping O’Mahonys in touch. Moments later, a slick attacking move culminated in Megan Collins rifling home her first goal of the night — a much-deserved breakthrough after O’Mahonys’ dominance in possession.

Royal Gaels, to their credit, fought back impressively. They struck a goal of their own and added two more points to edge in front. Denise McGrath clipped over her second point just before the break, but despite creating plenty of chances - including a couple of wides and forcing a second big save from the Royal Gaels’ keeper - O’Mahonys trailed narrowly at the interval.

Half-Time: Navan O’Mahonys 1-4 (7) – 1-5 (8) Dunshaughlin Royal Gaels

With the rain still lashing down, O’Mahonys emerged with renewed purpose after the restart. Olivia Callan, relentless in midfield all evening, surged forward to land a brilliant point from play. Just moments later, Mallon added her third of the night before Megan Collins struck again, ghosting in behind the defence to bury her second goal and swing momentum firmly in O’Mahonys’ favour.

The O’Mahonys midfield pairing of Callan and Rebecca Reilly took total control of proceedings, dominating the middle third and launching wave after wave of attack. Callan would add another point to her tally while substitute Neasa McDermott made an instant impact, scoring within moments of her introduction.

Lilly Dwyer, relentless at wing back, surged forward to slot over a lovely score, while Tara Fay added real drive and composure on the left wing and turned defence into attack with calm distribution. In the full back line, Sarah Maguire delivered a rock-solid performance, consistently reading the game and halting Royal Gaels momentum. Alongside her, corner back Sophia Fitzhurbert showed brilliant composure under pressure, making several clean dispossessions and important blocks.

In the forwards, Charlie Murray was unlucky not to register a score, rattling the post and laying off key passes under pressure.

Then came the moment of the match. With less than twelve minutes to play, Megan Collins completed her hat-trick in sensational style, Collins sealed her hat trick with a brilliant burst through the centre, finishing calmly past the keeper to make it 3-10 to 1-7. It was a clinical finish, the hallmark of a forward full of confidence and composure.

While Royal Gaels did manage three second-half points, they struggled to create meaningful goal chances. Robyn Murray produced another crucial save late on, ensuring the gap remained unbridgeable. By the time the final whistle blew, the rain had stopped, and the skies had cleared, just in time for the celebrations.

Captain Ailbhe Leahy, sidelined with injury, was present throughout and joined acting captain Denise McGrath and vice captain Isabel Thorpe in lifting the trophy in front of a great home crowd.

While league titles are sometimes viewed as a stepping stone, there was no question of that here. Both sides gave everything, played with full intensity, and showed nothing but respect for each other and the competition. This final has surely set the stage for a highly anticipated championship, where a rematch with Royal Gaels is not only possible but eagerly awaited.

Navan O’Mahonys: Robyn Murray, Sophia Fitzhurbert, Sarah Maguire, Sarah Powderly, Tara Fay, Isabel Thorpe, Lilly Dwyer (0-1), Rebecca Reilly, Olivia Callan (0-3), Lauren Woods, Denise McGrath (0-2), Milly Clarke-Carolan, Charlie Murray, Orlaith Mallon (0-4 (3f)), Megan Collins (3-0)

Substitutes: Neasa McDermott (0-1) (for Milly Clarke-Carolan), Eimear Fay (for Rebecca Reilly)

Referee: Henry Clifford

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