St Brendan’s capture title at second time of asking

St Brendan’s 2-10

Tuam/Cortoon 2-7

The radar was back in check as St Brendan’s returned to the top flight of Galway ladies football on Saturday after securing the intermediate title in this replay.

Goals for Michelle Delaney and Leanne Walsh were significant for Michael McHale’s team as they improved their shooting statistics. The Ballygar/Newbridge outfit were still guilty of three first half wides, but better than thier 12 missed chances seven days earlier.

Nerves were expected to decrease for both teams and despite the heavy rain that poured on Mountbellew, supporters witnessed an exciting and entertaining final that went down to the final whistle.

Delaney opened St Brendan’s account after three minutes but this time, it was Tuam/Cortoon who were wasting opportunities as they kicked five first half wides.  The first quarter was their best spell but only had a Caoimhe Moran point before Delaney and Niamh Lohan made it 0-3 to 0-1 in St. Brendan’s favour.

Tuam/Cortoon did create two clear goal chances but Ciara Maloney was denied both times. The second was a superb save from goalkeeper Sinead Kelly, but the first was top-drawer awareness from centre back Rebecca McPhilbin who was perfectly placed to make the stop.

McPhilbin and captain Nora Ward were instrumental in ensuring St. Brendan’s celebrated their biggest day in seven years (2011 senior triumph).  They controlled the middle third for long periods assisted by Lohan, Laura Mulrooney and Linda Booth.

It was crucial after they lost Aine Gilmore to injury after just 12 minutes resulting in a major positional switch in their defence.  They recovered well even though Moran pointed for Tuam/Cortoon.  But when McPhilbin set up Ward on 22 minutes, St. Brendan’s led 0-4 to 0-2.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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