Liverpool Hope’s Women’s Gaelic Football team has been crowned the British University Ladies champion.
The team defeated rivals from Liverpool John Moores University, with a final score of 5 – 8 to 0 – 10, at the two-day competition in Birmingham.
First year student Shauna Stevenson, who is studying Sport and Exercise Science at Hope, said her team’s win was an ‘indescribable’ moment.
Shauna commented: “From the start of the competition we knew we had to win, but when it happened we were all over the moon and proud to be a member of the Hope Gaelic team. We had a lot of training in preparation for the championship - we trained three times a week even if it was raining or freezing outside. Our managers Danielle and Chippy always made the time and effort for the team to have a good training session, and made great use of the facilities we had. Our team is like a family away from home so it felt all the more special when we won.
“I’m originally from County Tyrone in Ireland. I have been playing Gaelic football from the age of six and took any opportunity to play in a team. I was fortunate to play for my local club, secondary school and then county. As well as this, I have also been captain for several teams that have progressed to win county and Ulster titles. Gaelic football is a part of who I am and I have no doubt I'll be playing this sport for as long as possible.”
The women’s team’s victory is the latest Gaelic Football success for Liverpool Hope. Earlier this year, the University’s men’s team became the first-ever British university team to win the All-Ireland Corn na MacLeinn trophy.
Picture: Team Captain Shannan McQuade lifts the trophy.