Walsh and Birmingham star as St Jarlath’s end drought

St Jarlath’s 3-6

St Colman’s 0-9

Gerard Mulreaney at Tuam Stadium

MIDFIELDER Patrick Egan scored two second half goals in a man-of-the-match display, as St Jarlath’s claimed their 49th Connacht Post Primary Schools Senior ‘A’ Football title – and their first in ten years – following a pulsating final in Tuam Stadium on Saturday.

This clash of the Galway and Mayo schools was eagerly awaited, with both sides there on merit. St Colman’s from Claremorris were favourited by many ahead of the game following big scoring victories over Summerhill of Sligo and Galway’s St Josephs, while St Jarlath’s were involved in low-scoring wins over St Gerald’s of Castlebar and Coláiste Bhaile Chláir.

The atmosphere was electric, with both schools bringing a large following. The St Jarlath’s band of followers showed their support in a spectacular display by marching through the town ahead of the game, singing their songs and beating their drums.

In extremely tough underfoot conditions and playing against a strong breeze in the first half, St Jarlath’s started much the better and took the game to St Colman’s. They had the bulk of the possession in the opening stages of the game as St Colman’s played with 13 men behind the ball.

Despite that, it was St Colman’s who opened the scoring. Darragh Joyce played a long ball into corner-forward Niall Hurley, and he struck a delightful point off his right foot. St Jarlath’s replied almost immediately, Conor Heneghan found Patrick Egan in space down the right-hand side, and he steadied himself to send over a fine score.

Over the next 17 minutes both sides were guilty of some wayward shooting, hitting three wides apiece, while further efforts were dropped short of their intended target.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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