Big reality check for below par St. James’ in first round of title chase

Date Published: 16-May-2011

Claregalway 1-17

St. James’ 1-9

Cian O’Connell

HAVING spent so many years trying to attain senior status, St James’ challenge is now remaining at the highest level in the county as Saturday evening’s encounter with Claregalway demonstrated how significant the jump from the intermediate ranks actually is.

Eoin O’Donnellan has put his own stamp on a Claregalway side that has increased in strength and depth since they became a senior club themselves nearly a decade ago back in 2002. O’Donnellan has brought organisation and a sense of determination to Claregalway’s approach and from the first whistle, it was apparent that James’ were going to be troubled.

In one way it is tougher than usual on James’ to preserve their place at the top table simply because of the new relegation system now in place. No longer will a couple of home League wins against understrength and disinterested opponents suffice, serious championship performances are required.

Early on Claregalway were cute and exploited St James’ uncertainty expertly as they sought to involve Danny Cummins at every opportunity. Cummins, the All Ireland under 21 winner, has been a key performer in this competition for a couple of summers and his ability helped Claregalway settle impressively.

Paul McGuinness and Martin Kelly pointed inside four minutes and though the hard working Sean Donnellan responded, Claregalway were firmly in control. Barry Cullinane’s solid aerial presence at centrefield meant that Cummins was profiting from the steady stream of possession that was being fed towards the Claregalway attack.

Either side of two smashing Cummins points, Brian Moran also found the range as Claregalway’s dominance was reflected by the 0-5 to 0-1 lead they held after 11 minutes. James’ were only showing traces of the grit that brought them the County Intermediate title in 2010, but Eoin Concannon and Donnellan raised white flags to trim the deficit.

Claregalway, though, were continuing to find joy when delivering quick ball and Cummins’ 17th minute flick created a goalscoring chance for Galway goalkeeper Adrian Faherty, a resorceful corner forward for his club, and the James’ net bulged.

From there until half-time James’ perspired, but they could only manage a long distance point from Dave O’Connell and a free from Eoin Concannon while Claregalway were efficient as Kelly kicked a free and Fahetry slotted a 45 into the teeth of a decent breeze.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.