Poignant Donegal success as Inishowen/Finn Valley win Leona Harper Ulster Rugby Cup

Perhaps it was only fitting that a Donegal team won the first-ever Leona Harper Ulster Cup.

Ulster Rugby decided to name the competition in memory of 14-year-old Leona, the Ramelton native and member of Letterkenny RFC who was tragically one of the 10 people killed in the Creeslough tragedy of 2022. Leona’s parents Donna and Hugh Harper presented the trophy to captain Ruby McGee.

The Inishowen/Finn Valley combined U-14 rugby girls played Virginia RFC at Belfast’s Kingspan Stadium and a brilliant first half and a calm second saw them over the line to win.

The first half was dominated by the Donegal side with a 20-0 lead with Jessica Lafferty, Ruby McGee, Adele McKinley and Ruby McGee all touching down for tries.

READ NEXT: Katie-George Dunlevy to be Grand Marshal at London St Patrick’s Day Parade

However, with the Cavan side managing to score three second half tries to take their arrears back to 20-15, there was only one score in it. But Lily Parke’s try, which was converted by Mary Kate McCormick, made for a 12-point win.

“We are super proud of this team who have worked tremendously hard to become undefeated this season in league and cup,” team management said.

Inishowen/Finn Valley squad: Adele McKinley, Jessica Lafferty, Maya Lafferty, Rebecca Gallen, Katie Moore, Tori Cantwell, Alisha McKinley, Lily Parke, Ruby McGee, Mary Kate McCormack, Jessica Long, Lily Mae Patterson, Sarah McNally, Yvonne Gorley, Emie McNulty, Lucy McConnell, Caitlin Doherty, Eibhea McElany, Tia Doherty.