‘ It will be massive for us if lads can win this final’
HISTORY could be made soon in Tubbercurry as two team from its local secondary school are hoping to clinch the Connacht ‘ A’ League title for the first time.
Both the Senior and Junior sides from St Attracta’s have progressed to the Connacht League final and there’s much hope resting on their shoulders to bring the titles back to the south Sligo town.
Both teams have gone unbeaten so far this year as they fight for the school’s first ever ‘ A’ title.
The Junior team, pictured right, are playing St Jarlath’s from Tuam in their decider.
That game has been fixed for Monday, December 5th in the Centre of Excellence in Ballyhaunis, the throw- in for that final is 12.30pm. Extra time will be played if necessary.
Enda Joyce is in charge of the Juniors and saaid they have been in impressive form, going unbeaten this season.
They recorded victories over Roscommon CBS, St Jarlath’s, St Gerald’s from Castlebar and Rice College in Westport, paving their way to meet St Jarlath’s in the final.
Enda said “This has been a very impressive League campaign for both of the school’s teams and everyone is really looking forward to Monday. There’s great excitement in the school and we’re hoping we can do the business come Monday.
“The Junior lads have been working extremely hard this year and are now in an A league final for the first time in a number of years. It started back in the first week of September and the interest was immense with 47 lads all trying out for the 30 panel places up for grabs.
“The panel consists of players from no less than seven clubs including Tubbercurry, Curry, Tourlestrane, Bunninadden, Coolaney/ Mullinabreena, Cloonacool and Charlestown.”
Enda said the depth of talent in the squad shone throughout their League campaign.
He added: ” The first match of the campaign was away to Roscommon CBS which a tough opener on a heavy pitch, but we came out on top with four points to spare which got the campaign off to a good start.
“The next match was at home to the now finalists St. Jarlath’s of Tuam in which was a titanic battle.
“The lads really pushed hard for the win, and they achieved this, ending the game on a scoreline of 4: 15 to 4.12 in favour of us.” The Sligo lads continued the success with convincing wins away to St. Gerald’s Castlebar and a 20 point home win against Rice College, Westport. This ensured that St. Attracta’s were assured a spot in the final with a game to spare. In the final match of the group against St. Colman’s Claremorris, the management were able to give a chance to a number of other players and this didn’t hamper the performance at all. Enda said: “It showed the strength and depth of the squad as the performance ensured a fifth win from five and a clean sweep of victories in the group.
He said they are well aware of the challenge they face on Monday. “Our opponents in the final St. Jarlath’s Tuam, are the pinnacle of Galway football and we know it will be a fierce battle. The group game was a fascinating match that could have gone either way earlier in the year. The Galway side consist of players from strong Galway clubs, including Caherlistrane, Tuam and Corofin and have a large number of players on county teams. It has the makings of a fascinating final and hopefully for our lads, they can achieve their first ‘ A’ title for the South Sligo school,” he revealed.
“A big support is hoped for guys and everyone in the area is wishing them well,” Enda added.
A date has been set for the Senior ‘ A’ final too. The St Attracta’s Seniors play St Colman’s on Thursday, December 15th in the Centre of Excellence at 7pm.
They suffered heartache last year when they reached both the Connacht League and Championship finals when they faced Summerhill College in the maiden all- Sligo final.
They too have remained unbeaten in the League this year, with a steady League campaign.
They defeated Holy Rosary from Mountbellew, St Colman’s of Claremorris and St Jarlath’s, Galway’s strong outfit.
The Sligo side were dominant in the League semi- final over St Muredach’s from Ballina.
Colm McGee, who was also in charge of the Seniors last year has steered the team to another final and they are set to play St Colman’s in the decider on December 15th. Both sides are on a mission to bring the title back home to Tubbercurry, in what would be history making for St Attracta’s.