James Stephens 1-10

Castlegar 0-8

Ivan Smyth at UL GAA Grounds

BIG players produce in big moments. The old saying certainly proved true on Saturday afternoon as when it mattered most James Stephens’ key players found form to deny Castlegar a chance to replicate their All Ireland Intermediate Final victory of 2013.

Gerry Broderick’s side produced a resolute display to hang onto James Stephens’ coat-tails for three quarters of this contest but when Castlegar posed serious questions, John Scott’s outfit found the answers.

The trio of Michelle Teehan, Sophie O’Dwyer and Niamh Deely all stood up to nail critical scores in the final quarter after Castlegar had slashed their four point deficit to one after 45 minutes. The aforementioned trio were all part of the Kilkenny panel that were crowned All Ireland senior champions this year and they certainly showed their big game experience to see their side through.

Deely pushed James Stephens in to a 0-8 to 0-6 lead before the game’s defining score came in the 49th minute. The game’s best player Leah Manogue and Niamh Deely combined to play Michelle Teehan through on goal as the All Star nominee’s effort squirmed past goalkeeper Eva Concannon.

Even though the Broderick sisters – Elisha and Chloe – fired over to cut Castlegar’s deficit to three points, 1-8 to 0-8 after 59 minutes, they could not carve out a goal chance to send this game to extra time. In the three minutes of injury time, James Stephens played the game in Castlegar’s territory as O’Dwyer fired over an insurance score from a free while Teely also pointed.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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