Lavelle is St. Mary’s hero as team captain’s two goals secure victory

Date Published: {J}

St. Mary’s College, Galway 2

Presentation College, Headford 1

Cian O’Connell

ST. Mary’s College once again proved that tradition carries a deep importance in sport when claiming the Connacht Schools senior soccer title at Terryland Park last Thursday evening.

A smashing contest that ebbed and flowed throughout was eventually decided by two moments of genuine class from Mary’s skipper Ruairi Lavelle.

Even though it was Presentation College, Headford’s first final appearance at this level they entered the decider with a favourable reputation, but quickly found out that any team that comes out of Mary’s has some pedigree.

With the wind behind them Mary’s ruled the first half, but were pegged back by an adventurous Headford outfit after the restart and the tie seemed destined for extra-time. However, Headford who had probed constantly during the second period when backed by the elements, were outfoxed with four minutes remaining.

Substitute Ozaize Osaige dashed down the right flank before delivering an inviting cross for the influential Lavelle, who was skilful enough to nudge the ball home from close range. Headford poured forward in search of a last gasp leveller, but Mary’s survived a couple of anxious goalmouth scares to secure a hugely satisfying success.

Early on it didn’t seem as if Mary’s would need such late heroics because they were very much in the ascendancy. Completely aware of Headford’s attacking threat, Mary’s management duo of Paul Concannon and Jason Moran set up their team in a clever fashion opting for a five man midfield unit which helped them control large chunks of a lively opening period.

Sean O Fatharta, Aaron McGinty, and Lavelle combined effectively in the centre of the park for Mary’s which allowed last year’s beaten finalists settle impressively.

O Fatharta and McGinty’s diligent work enabled Lavelle to demonstrate clever touches when venturing forward to support David Mooney, who was excellent leading the line in attack. Holding the ball up and continuously bringing others into the action Mooney was the focal point to much of Mary’s dynamic first-half display.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.