St Thomas’ come out on top in thriller against the ‘Bridge

St Thomas’ 1-23

Clarinbridge 2-19

(after extra-time)

WHAT an epic senior championship game this was, but at the end of it all, the 2016 county champions are still standing having been pushed to their edge by a gallant and exciting Clarinbridge side.

As good a contest as has been seen in this year’s championship, if not the best, with St Thomas’ showing why they are regarded as the favourites for the 2018 county title, taking everything the ‘Bridge could throw at them, and still finding the wherewithal to come out the right side of the result.

Leading 1-15 to 1-10, Kevin Lally’s side looked in a dominant position entering the final quarter, but 1-3 without reply by Clarinbridge rocked them to the core.

Desperate times called for cool heads and after Evan Niland pointed a controversial 65’ to hand Clarinbridge the lead, Kenneth Burke came off the bench to fire over a last-gasp equaliser from out on the sideline to force extre-time.

Clarinbridge continued to go at St Thomas’ in extra-time and looked the likely winners in the first period, leading for the entirety after influential midfielder Sean Kilduff pointed less than 10 seconds after the throw-in to make it 2-14 to 1-16.

Cooney responded for his side but two quick scores by Niland (free) and Patrick Foley, who had a major impact when introduced, put Jarlath Niland’s team two in front.

Cooney replied again for St Thomas’ before Mark Kennedy and Darragh Burke swapped scores to leave the ‘Bridge one point in front at the change of ends. It was from there that St Thomas’ took over, however, despite conceding to Sean Kilduff right from the throw-in again.

Sean Skehill replaced the injured Fintan Burke at the end of normal time and he negated the influence of Cian Salmon who had been posing problems.

Up the other end, St Thomas’ re-introduced Brendan Farrell who created havoc at the edge of the square and nailed two vital scores along with two more for Darragh Burke (one free) as St Thomas’ secured their berth in the final four after an exceptional 80 plus minutes action.

It felt like an injustice in many ways to see anyone lose this one and for Clarinbridge it will be a bitter pill to swallow following their display, to a man and in particular Alan Armstrong, Shane Bannon, Sean Kilduff, TJ Brennan, Niland, Salmon and Kennedy.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.

Get the Connacht Tribune Live app
The Connacht Tribune Live app is the home of everything that is happening in Galway City and  county. It’s completely FREE and features all the latest news, sport and information on what’s on in your area. Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.