St. Gerald's College crowned provincial champions after penalty shootout

St. Gerald's, Castlebar 0-12

Summerhill, Sligo 1-9

(St. Gerald's win 4-2 on penalities after extra time)

 

 

SAINT Gerald's, Castlebar, were crowned the Connacht Post Primary Schools senior A league champions following their victory over Summerhill, Sligo, in the final which was played in the Connacht GAA Centre today.

In what was a very highly competitive and exciting decider throughout, the title was decided after a penalty shootout after the sides finished level after extra time.

In the penalty shootout, St. Gerald's prevailed after they scored four of their five penalities while Summerville missed two of their first four following magnificent saves by St. Gerald's goalkeeper Jack Livingstone.

In the opening half St. Gerald's had the better of the exchanges but found it difficult to find the target in good scoreable positions.

Although they did manage to put five points on the scoreboard, they missed some good chances, recording six wides.

As a result they found themselves a point down at the break after their opponents scored 1-3, with no wide.

In the second half St. Gerald's, despite finding themselves down by three points down, battled back to lead as the game entered the final moments before Summerhill grabbed a late point to draw.

In extra time St. Gerald's again dominated and led on two occasions. But Summerhill got a late equaliser to draw level and leave a penalty shootout to decide the outcome.

In the shootot, St. Gerald's Eoghan Hughes, Cillian Redmond, Paddy Heneghan and Robbie Finnerty all brilliantly found the net while Castlebar goalkeeper Jack Livingstone brought off two wonderful saves to give St. Gerald's the title.

The Castlebar celebrations at the final whistle were memorable.

St. Gerald's: J. Livingston, J. Cunningham, J. Touhy, D.Tighe, D. McHugh, O. Tunney, E. Murphy, C. Redmond (0-1), M. Fahy (0-1), C. Donoghue, P. Heneghan (0-1), P. Beirne (0-1), P. Walsh, B. O'Flaherty (0-2), E. Hughes (0-3).

Subs used: R. Finnerty (0-2), S. Burke, M. Cunningham (0-1), C. McHale, D. Swierkowski, J.Vahey.

Summerhill: J. Teape, S. Muldowney, M. Connolly-McGowan, C. Mulligan (0-1), B. Callaghan, T. Gavin, C. O'Reilly, O. McDonagh, C. Kevany, P. Maher (0-2), E. Smith (0-4), F. Connolly, J. Davis, M. Walsh (1-0), J. Davitt (0-1).

Subs used: J. Cox, L. Casserly, J.Hegarty (0-1).

Referee: J.Glavey (Aghamore).