Attracta’s aim for the double
Historic week for school
THIS week is of particular sporting significance for St Attracta’s as both its Senior and Junior teams hope to claim Connacht ‘ A’ Championship titles.
First up is the Enda Joyce managed Juniors, who are playing Galway outfit St Jarlath’s today, Tuesday, in the Connacht Centre of Excellence, Ballyhaunis at 2pm.
The side were victorious last December by winning the Connacht ‘ A’ League for the first time in the school’s history and they are hopeful of completing the double.
Also hoping to follow the ‘ A’ League with a first ‘ A’ Championship for St Attracta’s is former intercounty player Colm McGee, who is in charge of the Seniors.
They face St Colman’s on Saturday in the same venue, throw- in for that crunch game is 3pm.
If both teams are victorious, this will go into the history books for the south Sligo school.
It’s a feat that neither has ever achieved prior to the League success last year.
Knowing the importance of winning the Connacht ‘ A’ Championship is Enda Joyce, manager of St Attracta’s Juniors.
He told the Sligo Champion the excitement ahead of both games in the school is huge.
With no injuries to report to his panel, it’s all focus on this afternoon’s final.
Enda said: “Preparations are all going good, everyone is fit and ready for the game.
“We’re all looking forward to it and everyone has a full bill of health to report which is great.
“We have a panel of 31 players and there is great excitement in the school.”
He said St Attracta’s are well familiar with their Galway opponents, having played them twice already in the League, including the final, which the south Sligo school won last December.
Enda added the team knows what the St Jarlath’s side will bring to the encounter.
“We’ve played them twice already in the League but in fairness they have really improved on their League form.
“They are a good side and the Championship is always better.”
Players like Red Óg Murphy, who was immense in the League final, will be doubly marked by the Jarlath’s defence, so it’s about other players stepping in and helping out.
“Red Óg will be doubly marked so everyone else will have to play their part and put in the performance.
“It’s great that we’ve no injuries, we’re expecting a huge crowd from Sligo.
“The school is closing at half twelve and there are loads of buses going to the game.
“We’re hoping we can do the double, with the Senior also on the weekend. It would be wonderful for the school, as we’ve never won ‘ A’ titles bar the League ones.”
GAA is keenly followed in the south Sligo region and seven clubs feed players into the school side.
“It’s a huge catchment area and we’re hoping we can get the win,” Enda added.