AIB capture another LGFA Interfirms Cup title

AIB regained the LGFA Interfirms Cup title at the GAA’s National Games Development Centre at the Sport Ireland Campus in Dublin on Saturday.

Winners two years ago, AIB claimed the crown again as they earned a gritty 4-7 to 4-5 final victory over the Irish Defence Forces.

AIB boast an impressive record at the LGFA Interfirms, having previously claimed cup final wins in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2023.

Having come through the group phase of the competition, AIB were pitted with last year’s winners, PWC, at the semi-final stage.

And AIB dethroned the 2024 champions by 4-6 to 2-6, with Eibhlín Rice and Sinéad Deegan grabbing a brace of goals each.

On the other side of the draw, the Irish Defence Forces got the better of Smart Physio and Fitness, running out 6-3 to 5-2 semi-final winners.

Leah Walsh bagged three goals, Angela McGuigan raised two green flags and Sive Walsh also netted in the semi-final.

The final itself was a cracking game, and AIB had to come from behind to claim the title.

The Irish Defence Forces led by 3-3 to 2-2 at half-time, with McGuigan and Walsh (2) on target with goals. A Deegan brace kept AIB in touch at the midway point.

AIB opened the second half in brilliant fashion, as Cavan captain Shauna Lynch scorched through for a crucial goal.

Deegan completed her hat-trick before Tipperary ace McGuigan goaled for the Irish Defence Forces, with the game on a knife-edge.

A point from Walsh levelled matters before the eight-time TG4 All-Ireland senior medallist popped over the lead score.

Deegan handed AIB a two-point lead and the newly-crowned champions held out.

Walsh, who accepted the silverware from LGFA Vice-President and Leinster LGFA President, Arthur Corrigan, said: “We laid a good foundation throughout the group games. It’s fantastic to be able to play against different companies and to play with people across AIB.

“I’ve never lost a final here! We’re a competitive bunch – we have huge backing from AIB GAA club and AIB to be here today.”

Walsh admitted that AIB had to work hard for their final win.

“We knew they’d be good,” she reflected. “I didn’t see a whole pile of them – they were on the opposite side – but I would have played against Gráinne Kenneally from Waterford/Kildare over the years. It was touch and go there – we got a handle on it in the second half and had a purple patch.”

Shield honours on the day went to Blessington Community College, captained by Orla King, who overcame Moate Community School by 1-5 to 1-4 in a closely-fought game.