Eamon O’Boyle’s side came on top with a three-point win over IT Blanchardstown in the Donaghy Cup Final at UCD.
In glorious sunshine, and on a 3G surface, LyIT worked hard to deliver their first ever title in this competition.
LyIT looked good early on, and stunned their Blanchardstown counterparts in the opening minute, with two quick-fire goals from McLaughlin.
Her Termon colleague Lucy O’Flynn added the opening point, with McLaughlin bringing her tally to 2-1, as LyIT led by 2-2 to 0-0 after just four and a half minutes.
IT Blanchardstown were forced to work hard throughout with Tyrone’s Alice McNally outstanding, along with Dublin Senior panellist Rebecca McDonnell.
Letterkenny Institute of Technology ladies
McLaughlin completed LyIT’s hat-trick after 17 minutes, but two goals from McNally helped cut the gap at the break on a 3-6 to 2-7 interval score-line.
IT Blanchardstown made strong in-roads on the restart and levelled the game after 39 minutes.
McLaughlin’s fourth goal put LyIT back in front, but McDonnell netted for ITB.
The sides were dead-locked yet again with 12 minutes remaining, but LyIT dug deep with six of the next sever points to take a 4-14 to 3-13 after 60 minutes.
However, seven minutes of injury-time followed, and although ITB worked hard they didn’t get the goal they required, as LyIT held out for a three-point win.
After the game LyIT Captain Geraldine McLaughlin received the Donaghy Cup from Ladies HEC Secretary DJ Collins, while also deservedly receiving the Player of the Match award.
Earlier, there was disappointment for Ulster University Magee Ladies Footballers, also in UCD.
Backed by Termon’s Nicole McLoughlin, St Patrick’s College Thurles claimed the Lagan Cup with a 4-20 to 2-3 victory.
St Pats led by 2-7 to 1-2 at half time, with Aisling Burns netting Magees goal.
Monaghan’s Barbara Ward was named Player of the Match as St Pats added Championship success to their pre Christmas league win.
