Classy first half sees Jarlath’s through despite frantic finale

Tuam school in semi-final

THE possibility of this match finishing on a knife edge had seemed remote in the extreme with five minutes of normal time remaining.

St Jarlath’s controlled the game from eight seconds onwards after Shay McGlinchey gathered possession from the throw-in and struck a fine score on the run, and led 1-11 to 0-5 by minute 55 when a foot block on a Jack Kelly shot into the Town End goal provided Coláiste Bhaile Chláir an opportunity of a green flag.

Kelly converted from the spot, and 1-2 followed in the coming four minutes. Sean O’Callaghan pointed a free.

Another substitute then hit the back of the net for Coláiste Bhaile Chláir, Eanna Flaherty beating Michael Quinn in the St Jarlath’s goal. The Claregalway school won possession back from the resulting kickout and Daniel Fitzmaurice swung over a majestic effort in minute 59, which was signalled for by the referee but not the umpires.

St Jarlath’s were suddenly staring down the barrel of an exit from the Connacht Post-Primary Senior A Championship ....

Read our full match report in this week's edition of The Tuam Herald, on sale in shops or buy our digital edition here