Manager full of praise for gutsy St Attracta’s Juniors
POBAILSCOIL CORCA DHUIBHNE 1- 16 ST ATTRACTA’S 1- 12
ST Attracta’s journey in the Post Primary Schools All- Ireland Championship came to an end on Saturday after a four point defeat to Pobailscoil Corca Dhuibhne in Limerick.
The team put in another guts performance in Saturday’s clash with their Kerry counterparts, yet victory was for the Munster men after a brave battle.
Huge crowds made the journey from south Sligo to Ballyagran GAA Club in Limerick as the Connacht champions were set to take on the Munster victors in what should be an almighty clash with a place in the All- Ireland final up for grabs.
St Attracta’s were leading during the opening half, with ten minutes on the clock the Yeats men were four points to no score in front as the Tubbercurry outfit settled much quicker into the game.
Things looked even brighter for the Sligo men with 25 minutes played, as St Attracta’s found the net, putting them 1- 4 to three points in front.
They were cruising with six points to the good on the 30 minute mark, 1- 7 to Dingle’s four points as the Sligo side were showing the class why they are deserved double Connacht champions.
The half- time score was 1- 7 to four points in favour of the Sligo outfit, yet the second half was going to be a much sturdier performance from the Munster opponents.
An early goal and seven points for the Dingle outfit, meant they were right back in it. Ten minutes played in the second period and they were ahead by two points, scoreline reading 1- 11 to St Attracta’s 1- 9.
St Attracta’s didn’t fluster and instead kept on the Kerry men’s toes, bringing it back to a one point game with 50 minutes played. With 55 minutes gone, the Kerry school were two in front again, 1- 14 to 1- 12 as St Attracta’s kept them on their toes.
Three points separated the sides near the finish, with Dingle getting the insurance point close to the full- time whistle as they progress to the final.
There was disappointment for the valiant St Attracta’s and manager Enda Joyce, who had steered them to the Connacht ‘ A’ League and Championship double this season, the first time the school had won these honours.
Enda said afterwards: “It wasn’t to be today unfortunately. That’s football though.
“We set out last August with two goals and it’s clear to see we achieved everything.
“Big experience and learning curve at All- Ireland series level.
“‘ A’ grade league and championship double winners the lads have had a brilliant 2016/ 17 overall,” the manager added.
With history being made by the south Sligo side, winning both Connacht ‘ A’ titles, the future looks very bright for this bunch of footballers. WE SET OUT LAST AUGUST WITH TWO GOALS AND IT’S CLEAR WE ACHIEVED THEM