A barnstorming first quarter saw Railway attack with pace and purpose and net two goals which were ultimately enough to capture the back to back title. The win also sees the club secure the position in next years Euro Hockey League Finals as Ireland's representative.

The team had to withstand an early phase of Loreto pressure and attacks and some smart defending and a couple of important saves by Emma Maloney repelled the Loreto threats. After those initial minutes, the Railway team settled into their stride and with pace through the midfield from Sarah Hawkshaw and some tenacious attacking lines from Katie Mullan, Railway started to create opportunities for themselves.

A short corner switch to Roisin Upton mid way through the quarter saw her shot deflected into the Loreto goal to put Railway one nil up. Shortly afterwards, a break by Mullan saw her shot saved but Emma Smyth (voted as Player of the Tournament for the second year in succession) neatly picked up the rebound on her reverse stick and with an upright reverse stick half volley, she slotted it into the far corner for 2-0.

Railway continued to play well in the second quarter with bursts and attacking phases and a switch to Katie Mullan from a short corner provided a golden chance for a third, but Murphy in the Loreto goal smothered the shot.

Loreto picked up their game in the third quarter but stout defensive work kept them at bay and the score remained 2-0 at the end of the 3rd quarter.

Loreto threw everything at Railway in the final quarter and a stick foul in the circle after a short corner was blocked resulted in a Loreto penalty stroke. Emma dived the right way and was close to making another penalty save over the weekend, but Loreto converted to make it 2-1.

Railway withstood a nervy last 12 minutes, including Loreto withdrawing their goalkeeper for the final 5 minutes, to hang on for a fabulous victory.

Congratulations to Lisa McCarthy and her squad - those there in Banbridge this weekend and those who contributed across the season to the group's performance. A significant congratulations and thanks also to the coaching team, led by Una, Gareth and Ellie - supported by Kenny, Rachel, Tom and others and to Margaret Shaw for the steady hand as Team Manager, ensuring the logistics and planning off the pitch were expertly handled as always, meaning the team's and coaches' focus could remain on the job at hand. Winning the title.