PICTURES FROM THE CONNACHT FINAL:
KATIE Walsh has been there and done that with Sligo and Tourlestrane. But, in terms of watching on from the sideline, the Ladies Football star probably hadn’t been through as intense a fixture as this one.
Part of the St Attracta’s Community School management team for last Friday’s Connacht LGFA Post Primary Schools Senior ‘B’ Championship final at Bekan, Walsh saw the Tubbercurry secondary school win by a point. This was an immensely intense duel with Mount St Michael Secondary School, Claremorris, at the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence, Bekan, in cold conditions.
“It was an unbelievable result and a great win,” said Walsh, who referenced last year’s provincial final defeat in the same grade – a twopoint loss to Roscommon’s Convent of Mercy.
“I think the players wanted to put it right this time – I think what stood to us is that we went into the second-half only a point down instead of three and with the wind behind us.”
She continued: “Once we got ahead they kept going. The Leaving Certs showed that they didn’t want this to be their last game in the St Attracta’s jersey.
“We’ve been there before where the other team would score goals or points in the final minutes. Mount St. Michael got two frees near the end that they might have gone for but with the wind and the distance they probably just weren’t within range for direct scores.
“They went short with these frees and our players – in fairness – put up a great defence. Our goalkeeper Catherine [Gallagher] got one ball on the line and cleared it.
“Some days these things go your way, other days they don’t – we were lucky this time.
“I mean we were devastated after losing last year’s Connacht final so it was great to get another opportunity.”
Praising the effort and attitude of the 35-strong panel, Walsh pointed out how the players were turning up for early morning training sessions before school.
There was also a stint in the sin bin for St Attracta’s player Ellen Giblin, with the Curry star making the decision to halt an opponent, who was through on goal, for what Walsh described as a “tactical foul”.
Walsh, pictured below, praised James McDonagh for his input, with the management team also including David Fahey and Sarah Cunney.
“James prepared a piece for the players where he showed the support for them from the clubs in the catchment area. He leaves no stone unturned – he puts in such an effort and he also works with the boys’ teams as well.
“I think he has become ‘Mr St Attracta’s’ when it comes to Ladies Football and Gaelic football and I’m thrilled for him that we won this title.”