EPIC FINAL AWAITS

Tourlestrane and Sea Blues celebrate historic wins

WHAT a memorable weekend it was for two Sligo clubs, Tourlestrane and Easkey. Tourlestrane ladies, the Connacht champions travelled the long journey to Bagenalstown in Carlow to take on Old Leighlin in the All-Ireland Junior semi-final on Sunday.

David Bailey’s side put on a strong performance and his troops included goal scorer Leonie Gaughan who was only back after a lengthy spell out with a cruciate injury. The green and yellow army travelled in large numbers and it was certainly worthwhile with the south Sligo club victorious on a 2-10 to 0-10 scoreline. This means that they now meet Glanmire in the All-Ireland Junior final on December 9th, venue and time yet to be announced. Only St Nathy’s (1999) and Drumcliffe/Rosses Point (2009) have ever reached this stage.

Enniscrone was once again the top-class venue for another spellbinding encounter on Saturday when fellow seasiders Easkey faced Clonbur in the Connacht Junior Final.

Easkey had been comprehensive victors over Balla the previous weekend and Saturday’s encounter was a much tighter and downto-the-wire affair with the sides level going into injury time.

Then up stepped the unflinching Ryan McKenna who was the hero for the Sea Blues getting the winning point right before the finish. It was the first time since St John’s in 1999 that a Sligo club won the Connacht Junior title and with it being the first time for the west Sligo side to claim the honours there was plenty to celebrate

Tourlestrane players and supporters show their elation at the full-time whistle in Bagenalstown as they prepare for the All-Ireland Junior final, only the 3rd time a Sligo reached this stage. Pic: KeithGilroy.