With 2 Championships in the bag from last week, St Marys had the unique opportunity to make it 4 in 2 weekends when the Juniors and Seniors contested their respective Championships.   First up were the Juniors who took on Owenmore Gaels on Saturday in a battle of the 2 form Junior sides.   Owenmore Gaels proved a gallant opposition and stood firmly all match between our lads and Championship glory.   This was St Marys’ 3rd appearance in 4 years in the final and we had yet to taste victory.   The game started with Owenmore Gaels taking a firm initiative and we laboured to come to terms with the match, yet chances came our way that allowed us keep in touch. We even led by a point at the break thanks to 2 quick scores just before the interval. It was an unusual half of football as both sides were guilty of being wasteful with chances, yet the quality of points scored was impressive.  Our supporters willed every ball to captain Gareth Blake or Stephen Hargadon who were sharing the scoring.   At the back, keeper and No. 1 clubman, Alan Sheerin was kept busy all afternoon and his anticipation and cool head diffused a number of dicey moments.

Discussion at half time, was of relief to have a slight lead and cautious confidence that the dazzling sun and strengthening wind would turn the game our way.   Nobody told this to Owenmore Gaels who sharply grabbed the initiative with 4 unanswered points and looked good for their lead particularly when Marys were reduced to 14.   Nobody could have predicted the impact this had for the game as the experienced heads of Smithy, Burnsie and new Dad Conor O’Grady locked down the centre of the field and started releasing the younger players to run into space through the wings.   The incredible turnaround became a charge when Kyle Cawley, (the youngest player on the pitch), burst onto a ball and goaled brilliantly.   When he added a further point shortly afterwards, the Owenmore Gaels team were looking for answers, but none were coming.   The game was put beyond them when Captain Gareth Blake scored a further goal after working space with a trademark piece of footwork.   A well taken goal from Owenmore Gaels came too late to influence the game but it did make the St Marys support nervous.   However, our lads played a possession spell to run down the clock and allow the celebrations to start.   The final scoreline was 2-12 to 1-10.   Gareth Blake acceptance speech was a credit to the Club, and well done to all players, mentors and supporters on a fantastic season.    We qualify to play intermediate as well as senior football next season which has been a central ambition for St Marys and will further strengthen our club.

Sunday brought St Marys back to Markievicz to meet Tubbercurry for the highlight of the Sligo GAA calendar, the County Senior Championship.   The match brought the runners-up of the last 2 years together in a match for the ultimate prize within the County.   One of the largest crowds at a final in recent year’s witnessed a compelling game which started with the sides exchanging points before Marys stretched by 4 points to 2.   GAA generally works to turning points and the last portion of the first half proved a portent of things to come as possession was turned over in a promising position and Tubbercurry scored with a well worked move and then quickly added 3 further unanswered points to reach the break leading by 7 points to 5.   The initial part of the second half was a cagey affair after which Tubbercurry had extended their lead to 3 points.   A goal was always going to be decisive in the game and while both sides had chances, Tubbercurry attacked down the Marys left and swift passing created an overlap for an incoming attacker to fist to the net.    David Kelly was pulling the strings of the Tubbercurry side and minutes later quick thinking from a free caught out the Marys defence and a second goal was scored.   At the other end, Marys had at least 4 realistic goal chances for Johnny Martin, Mark Mc Goldrick, Chris Kelly and Stephen Coen but Tubbercurry somehow scrambled each away and then the post came to the rescue when Johnny Martin’s fierce shot would have brought Marys a lifeline.  A final breakaway goal ended the game as a contest.   The scoreline of 3-11 to 0-12 was not kind to us and did not really reflect the manner in which our lads battled to the last and left their all on the pitch.   Goals win games and it just wasn’t our day.   While the result was devastating for everyone in St Marys, we should not lose sight that we have had another year of progress within the Club and have a great blend of experienced players and younger guys who have come through the underage ranks.   This is an indication that we will be back to complete our unfinished business.   A big thank you to the players, Tommy and mentors on a fantastic journey and we look forward to next season.   Congratulations to Tubbercurry and our best wishes to them as they contest the Connaught Championships.

In the Ladies section, the U14 side’s season completed this week following a narrow loss in a thrilling game against Shamrock Gaels.   We fought back from a difficult position when Shamrock Gaels built an early lead of 1-02 to no score and we led by 2 points at half time.   In a fascinating second half, the lead was exchanged a number of times before our opposition finally prevailed by 2 points.   How different things would have been had we not been denied by the crossbar on 3 occasions!   It was unfortunate, that this team which promised so much over the Season could not get the breaks they deserved and lost out narrowly in critical matches.   The girls trained so hard throughout the year and can be proud of their Season and will get their rewards next year.   Thanks to the parents and supporters.

Congratulations to David Downes and Ken Casey on being Members of the Dromahaire side who won the Leitrim Intermediate Championship.   The Club’s best wishes are sent to Club President Roger Eames who is in hospital at present, and to our Vice-President, Dinny O Sullivan, who has celebrated his 98th birthday.