The wet weather could do little to dampen the celebrations and delight of the Enniskillen Royal Grammar School (ERGS) Girls rugby team following their comprehensive victory in the Danske Bank Girls Schools' Cup Final on Monday.

ERGS beat first-time finalists Assumption Grammar School, Ballynahinch 47-5 and from players to coaches there was nothing to hide the pride felt as they retained the trophy they won in 2023.

Speaking after the final co-captains, Olivia Black and Aimee Ross paid tribute to the team and support at Kingspan Stadium.

"It's just a testament to all our hard work through the season and really proud of all the girls and they left it all out on the pitch today," said Olivia speaking to IRFU Ulster Branch after the game.

Aimee added: "It feels amazing to bring back that cup with all our supporters there today cheering us on. We had a great atmosphere. To bring it home is just amazing."

ERGS team manager, Dee Colville, was also full of pride for the players: "As the team's teacher, I am very proud of the squad as a collective.

"It has been an honour to see them develop over the years as both rugby players and individuals.

"It has also been a privilege to work alongside our parent coaches Ian Ross and Alastair Keys who have worked tirelessly with the girls over the past number of  years imparting their knowledge to both the girls and myself.”

Finally Ian Ross said the ERGS squad was a credit "to their school, their families and themselves".

“The squad of 21/22 girls have been outstanding all year and the hardest thing was not being able to take them all to the Schools Cup Final. That was a hugely tough call for Alastair and myself.

"However, that being done, those who took to the pitch yesterday were exemplary both on and off the pitch.

"They are a credit to their school, their families and themselves and I’m so proud to have been involved with them over the past four to five years.

"Their games, and especially this final, have given me so many wonderful memories that I’ll never forget and to see my daughter Aimee as co-captain with Olivia, up there lifting the trophy was simply special.

"I could not be more happy for them. They are simply a special group of young ladies. I’ll certainly be sad to see 10 of them leave the squad after they’ve put in so much but the girls coming straight after them are up and ready for the challenge," concluded Ian who is looking forward to the Irish National Championship game on April 24 in Dublin.