A truly incredible Connacht Intermediate Club final, dripping with drama from start to finish, culminated in bitter disappointment for Naomh Anna, Leitir Mór. Deep into extra-time it appeared that substitute Myles MacDonnacha’s remarkable point would be the pivotal score.
St Faithleach's, though, kept plugging away and the Roscommon outfit summoned one last gasp attempt. Somehow the ball ended up in the Naomh Anna net when Mikey Cox supplied the last touch. Naomh Anna were beaten.
That the Leitir Mór club had contributed so much to an absorbing tussle will be of little comfort. Ultimately Leitir Mór’s campaign was terminated in cruel circumstances. It was a match all about heart and honesty. Comebacks were launched by both teams, who dealt with adversity. Initially Faithleach's were terrific with Naomh Anna in significant bother trailing by 1-5 to 0-1.
Diarmuid Murtagh planted a seventh minute goal as Faithleach’s settled quickly, but Naomh Anna remained determined. That defiance was rewarded during a brilliant burst that had Naomh Anna back level at 1-6 each after 25 minutes.
Karl Nerney was sin binned for Faithleach’s with Naomh Anna thundering back into the reckoning. Matias Eoin Bairéid’s goal injected momentum into Naomh Anna’s charges and the clever, inventive forward play of Dylan Seoige was evident.
Conal Kennelly was influential for Faithleach’s, though, who did go in at the interval 1-8 to 1-7 in front. When the action recommenced it remained dramatic.
Oisín MacDonnacha levelled matters from a free and then Warren Seoige scampered clear to rifle a Naomh Anna goal. When Oisín MacDonnacha added another free Leitir Mór led by four, but they did not score again in normal time.
Either side of the water break Murtagh landed points and then Kennelly trimmed the gap to the minimum. Then Murtagh returned to centre stage restoring parity with a gorgeous score, 1-12 to 2-9. Extra-time was on the agenda. Inevitably there was further excitement.
Sandwiched in between two Murtagh points was a delightful Ferdia Breathnach effort. Faithleach’s were 1-14 to 2-10 ahead, but Myles MacDonnacha was now craving involvement landing two great points.
The second appeared as if it would be the match winner deep into additional time. The Roscommon team responded with Cathal Gunn’s delivery palmed to the back of the Naomh Anna net by Mikey Cox. Faithleach’s would leave Salthill armed with provincial silverware.
Naomh Anna might have lost a gripping game, but throughout this adventure they earned respect and admirers.
St Faithleach’s: M O’Donnell; K Nerney, M Cox (1-0 ), A Murtagh; P Farrell, D Nerney, K Farrell; D Rooney (0-2, 1 45 ), C Kennelly (0-3 ); B Murtagh, C Murtagh (0-1 ), C Gunn; M Dunne, D Murtagh (1-6, 2fs ) , J Hussey (0-2, 1m )
Subs: D Harrison for P Farrell (37 ), C Glennon for J Hussey (41 ), D Hussey for Rooney (57 ), S Walsh for D Hussey (70 ), J Browne for B Murtagh (80 ).
Naomh Anna: E Ó Curraoin; C Mac Donncha, S A Ó Ceallaigh, C Seoige; C Bairéad, E Ó Flatharta, E Mac Donnacha; P S Ó Ceallaigh, M E Bairéad (1-0 ); W Seoige (1-0 ), É Ó Loingsigh, O Mac Donnacha (0-3, 3fs ); Dylan Seoige (0-4, 2fs ), A Ó Fátharta (0-1 ), I Ó Curraoin (0-1 ).
Subs: F Breathnach (0-1 ) for Ó Curraoin (49 ), M Mac Donnacha (0-2 ) for Ó Loingsigh (53 ), E Ó Fátharta for Dylan Seoige (59 ), J Ó Gobúin for O Mac Donnacha (70 ), Darren Seoige for Ó Fátharta (70 ).
Referee: Barry Judge (Sligo ).
