‘ Players need to up their gamefor final’

MANAGER of St Attracta’s, Enda Joyce, pictured inset, said after the match that the team will need to up their game ahead of their Connacht Junior Championship final.

He said that they were not overly happy with the performance and felt that more was in the tank from his Junior side.

“We weren’t very happy as we know that the team are more than capable of bringing it to another level, which will be needed for the final.”

They are well familiar with the other semi- finalists St Jarlath’s and Colman’s having played both of them in the League.

“We’ve played both of them before and we beat Jarlath’s in the League final but the Championship is a different beast altogether,” the manager added.

Enda said they knew going into the semi- final that CBS Roscommon were going to be tough opponents.

“It was very good to win it. It was a very tough game, we had played Roscommon before in the League and it was one of the tougher matches for us.

“We only won by a few points. They are a strong footballing school and because it’s an allboys schools they have extra numbers in comparison to us,” he explained.

It seemed as though Roscommon had done their homework too and were aware of the threat of Attracta’s sharp- shooter, Red Óg Murphy. The forward scored a tally of 3- 10 in the League decider with Jarlath’s, however Roscommon were able to keep the dan- german relatively quiet, he scored seven points on Wednesday, four from frees.

“In fairness, they had two men marking Red Óg throughout the match. I thought Paul Towey, our joint captain played very well, it wasn’t an individual performance, everyone put in their shift.

“Championship football is a lot different,” the manager pointed out.

With the Juniors now paving their way into the Connacht final, the south Sligo school’s Seniors are also in Championship action this week.

Colm McGee’s side are also playing St Jarlath’s in their semi- final on Thursday afternoon which is taking place in Claremorris.

If both were to qualify for a place in the final, it would be another first forfo the school, with the two teams winningw the League for the first timeti ever last December.

Enda said: “With the seniors in theth semi- final too everyone in the s school is hoping both teams will b be contesting the finals.

“Having both winning the ‘ A’ League back in December, it was super so both are greedy for more success.s

“There’s a great buzz about theth place people are on a high, messages on social media, reports in the paper, it’s good that the lads area being recognised.”

Tubbercurry and its environs is well known for its strong GAA connectionsc and Enda said the support from the area has been incredible.

“We’ve been getting fantastic support from parents, family, friends, there was a huge crowd at the match and the school is also so supportive of its footballing teams,” the manager said. The final is more than likely going to be at the end of February, with the All- Ireland semi- final set for early March. “It’s all about knuckling down now,” Enda added.