A heroes' welcome as girls' Gaelic team makes history on the pitch

They claimed victory on the pitch - and made history as well.

And now a group of teenage girls have triumphantly paraded their trophy through the corridors of their east Belfast school.

Our Lady and St Patrick's College Knock ladies Gaelic footballers received a rapturous welcome from their school mates when they returned as All-Ireland Senior Post-Primary Schools champions.

The girls made history as they became the 13th first-time winners of the title.

"It's a brilliant achievement," said fellow student Ciaran O'Neill said.

"It is the first time the school have won the All-Ireland ladies' title, the whole school is so proud of them."

The girls defeated Clare school St Joseph's Spanish Point in the final on a scoreline of 4-11 to 2-7 at Dr Cullen Park in Carlow.

Pupil Cian Murray said the whole school was "buzzing" following the win.

"We have known these girls all the way up through school and they have never won anything until now. So that is really nice to see."

Odhran McHugh, whose sister Evie was awarded player of the match, pointed out the significance of the win.

"The boys got to one final and didn't get through, but I think the girls have really pushed on," he said.

"To see them get the Ulster success - they had fallen short in the past few years - was a big positive. The goal after that was to win the all-Ireland and they did that in some style.

He said it was a "real proud moment for me".

Team captain Isa McCarron said they were bolstered by a lot of support.

"When we got on the bus it was the first time that we took it all in. We were able to sit down and realise that we were actually all-Ireland winners.

"I hope that the younger girls in the school will see the hard work we put in to get where we are."

She said she hoped that the win would lead to a legacy of winners.

Isa added that the close-knit nature of the team was key.

"We have been together for so long. Our team has been together since second year. We have become so close.

"There are only three clubs, Bredagh, Carryduff and St Brides represented [in the team] and because there are just three clubs we are so tight knit."

Holly Donnelly scored the fourth and final goal in the decider. She said it was a dream for her.

"To score a goal in an All-Ireland final is special.

"I think you always dream about having an impact in those games."