ALL-IRELAND titles are hard earned at school level but Aoibhín Cassidy’s goal ensured Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair tasted glory this year.

Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair took on Coola Post Primary School from Sligo in the FAI Schools Senior ‘B’ Girls National Cup final in Clones back in January.

It was a close game but Cassidy came up trumps for her team with the only goal of the game.

It’s the second All-Ireland that Cassidy and her group of friends have won, and it’s a success she recalls with fondness.

“We were all delighted,” said Cassidy, who this week picked up the Donegal News Sports Personality of the Month award for January, in conjunction with Brian McCormick Sports & Leisure.

“It was great for us to get through to our second All-Ireland Final.

“I was in second year when we reached our first one and then I was in TY in January when we won again.

“We didn’t think we would get through to another one because the team was just so different but it was great to get there and to win it.”

Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair didn’t have it all their own way against Coola but showed grit and character in a tense decider.

“It was a very tight match.

“We got the goal at the very start of the game.

“It was just about trying to keep in front then after that, and not let them score.

“The defence was brilliant for us.”

Maryanne Nic a Bhaird set up Cassidy for the goal and she made no mistake from close range.

The win was made all the more memorable by the fact her sister Roisin had a great game between the sticks.

“I was playing on the left wing.

“It just came my way. It was a good team effort so I can’t take all of the credit.

“I definitely didn’t think I would score. I wasn’t expecting it at all.

“It was a great day for us.”

Cassidy said it took a strong collective effort from the players and the management to claim the win they desired.

“We had a good few games.

“But they were all tough and we got better as it went along.

“We got there eventually and all the girls were delighted.

“Michelle Ferguson was our manager, and we owe it all to her.

“She was great and got us ready for all the matches.

“It was a good squad effort. We were all there for each other and supportive.

“We were training every week sometimes at lunch and sometimes after school.

“We put in a lot of effort.”

Aoibhín – who is the daughter of Stephen and Rosaleen Cassidy – says she had always loved playing football, and good coaching at Carrickboyle furthered that interest.

“Our team all played for Gweedore United coming up.

“I think that really helped us when we went to the school then.

“Paul McGee and Maurice Ferry would have been our coaches throughout the years.

“They were definitely great coaches and that helped to get a passion in all of us.”

While the academic year is now over, Cassidy is still kept busy on the football field.

She has linked up with Finn Harps Under 17 side this year and has adjusted impressively to the strong level of football.

“This is my first year with Harps and it’s going great so far.

“It’s a good experience to have.

“We are in the second phase of the season now and we’re going well.

“Paddy McDaid is the manager and there are good coaches there that want to help everyone.

“We train twice a week and play a game then on a Saturday.

“The training is in Letterkenny so it’s a big commitment because we live an hour away but I don’t mind it.”

The 16-year-old still has two more years left at school and is hopeful that more successes could follow.

“Hopefully we might. We will have a good team again next year.”