Gonzaga College and Dunleer win out at first All-Ireland schools ultimate championships.

11 teams, from 6 different schools, competed over a full day of ultimate leading to Dunleer winning the women's round robin and Gonzaga winning a sudden death open final in extra time. In addition, Gonzaga did the double winning Spirit of the Game along with Balbriggan in the women's division.

For some, this was a first taste of ultimate outside of PE class. For others this was a chance to put over two years of regular play into practise. Few could deny that everyone present made a noticeable improvement from each game to the next.

Dunleer proved themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the future as not only did their two women's teams taste success but both of their young open teams were highly spirited and enthusiastic throughout.

The game of the day saw Gonzaga 1 against St. Killian's in the open final. Having already won this match up in the group stages, St. Killian's went in with confidence high. Gonzaga, by contrast, had scraped through a tough semi-final over their own second team, having trailed for most of the game.

Despite only a short break before the final, Gonzaga came out strong on offence and with a goal line zone defence. This change in playing style disrupted St. Killian's as they were unable to use their speed advantage. The early exchanges saw points take anywhere up to 5 minutes of patient offence, resolute defence and goal line blocks (plus a few heart-breaking drops) before scores were finally caught.

Then the flood gates opened! A succession of quick scores soon brought the game to 5-5 as time expired. Sudden death overtime saw both teams have a number of chances to win it all before, after 4 and a half minutes of additional play, Gonzaga caught a sliding score for a 6-5 victory.

Thus the final served as perfect example of the entire days play as all teams, in both divisions, gave their all. They took great pride in their achievements, showed exemplarily spirit throughout and proved that the future of Irish ultimate is in safe hands.

Big thanks go out to Belgard Community Centre for hosting us for the day; Laura McGrath, Sinead O'Shiel-Flemming and Paul Cronin for their work in organising the event and most of all to the students and coaches who made the competition what it was. To the senior students, we wish them the best of luck as they move on to play for college and club teams. To the younger students, we look forward to seeing you again in the years to come.

[by Mark Earley]

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