Summerhill College 0-16

Coláiste Bhaile Chláir 1-9

Ivan Smyth in Bekan

COLÁISTE Bhaile Chláir’s dreams of securing a first ever Connacht Post Primary Schools Senior A football title were dashed after a powerful second half display from Sligo’s Summerhill College.

The Claregalway school were appearing in their first ever final at this level and after retiring to the dressing rooms 1-5 to 0-4 ahead they appeared in a healthy position to retain their crown in Bekan on Saturday,

They had enjoyed wind advantage in the opening period and, in truth, should have led by more with Summerhill College nervy in the opening 30 minutes as they coughed up cheap turnovers when in promising attacking positions.

Coláiste Bhaile Chláir appeared to be in pole position when they were able to spring Éanna Monaghan, joint captain of Galway’s All Ireland winning minor team, from the bench at half time. However, appearances can often be deceiving and that certainly proved the case as Summerhill College produced a ferocious final period to outscore their shell shocked opponents 0-12 to 0-4. They kicked seven of the last eight scores to seal an impressive turnaround.

It is true that the strength of the breeze picked up at half time but to simply pinpoint that as a reason for the Sligo side’s triumph would do an injustice to their terrific second half display. Summerhill corner backs Rian O’Callaghan and Ronan O’Hehir were exceptional in defence as they stifled Monaghan and co as the pair stood out for the winners alongside Ronan Niland and Eli Rooney.

Gone were the unforced errors that plagued them in the final period while the imposing duo of Dillon Walsh and Paul O’Brien helped the now eight times Connacht champions dominate at midfield. Coláiste Bhaile Chláir struggled to compete in the air or for the breaks around the middle third in the final 30 minutes as their attack was starved of quality ball.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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