There are very few football and hurling fans who do not agree that colleges sport is one of the purest forms of both codes. That conviction was reinforced on Saturday afternoon in Croke Park when St Jarlath’s College fell narrowly short in their attempt to win what would have been the college’s 13th Hogan Cup title.
The Tuam team was good in this final. However, in the ultimate analysis, they were not good enough, losing by 0-15 to 2-10. The positive for the dejected Jarlath’s supporters and players was that both sides produced an enthralling encounter that ebbed and flowed throughout and, even in defeat, many of the Galway lads showed fantastic character.
It was St Colman’s eighth Hogan Cup title, and their second in succession. Their star turn was Caolan Mooney who notched six points. The Rostrevor player is Australian bound after the summer and he has already signed a contract for the coming season with Collingwood.
Mooney was deemed man-of-the-match by the TG4 analysts, but he had a genuine rival as the title of the game’s most influential performer. Kilkerrin/Clonberne’s Shane Walsh had an immense game and he hit nine points over the hour with some marvellous efforts. The youngster is a comfortable kicker off both left and right and he effortlessly swept over placed balls with both.
His accuracy from open play was of an equally high standard and he has the skills to go on and become a very accomplished and influential footballer in the county over the next few years. However for that to happen, he needs to be “minded” by all those managers who will have access to him over the next few seasons. Looking at the power and strength of the Cork u-21s in the Munster final it is obvious the work that is being done in some counties on core and power with young players in a thoughtful and productive way. The likes of Walsh would benefit from that kind of direction.
The result was decided in many ways by the Newry school’s early burst of scoring. They led by 2-2 to 0-2 by the 20th minute. Their opening goal was a lucky one. Jack Haughey’s attempt for a point dropped short and slipped through the hands of the unfortunate James Healy. Their second strike was well worked when full-forward Jerome Johnston showed strength and composure to finish emphatically to the net.
St Jarlath’s response to early blitz
In the face of grim adversity, St Jarlath’s responded with gusto and bravery.
The hugely impressive and lionhearted Adrian Varley was switched from full-forward to midfield and went on to have a sterling game. Team captain Ian Burke also thundered into the game and his repositioning to full-forward was a major success.
Walsh’s free-taking kept the blues in touch and corner-forward Sean Silke hit three delightful points in succession just before the break. St Jarlath’s had fought back well and were only two down, 2-4 to 0-8 at half time.
They then produced a very strong third-quarter performance which saw them move into a 0-14 to 2-6 lead.
At two to the good, St Jarlath’s looked likely victors. However Laois referee Maurice Deegan awarded two horrendous decisions at that critical stage to the Ulster champions which allowed St Colman’s to draw level. Regardless of those frees, the harsh reality is that Joe Burke’s charges did not score enough in the last quarter to merit victory.
They were outscored by four to one in that critical period and that was a key factor in the side’s defeat. Hopefully many of those players who represented the Tuam school in Croke Park last Saturday will go on and win an All Ireland in the future with either their clubs or the county in minor, u-21 or seniors.
St Jarlath’s College: J Healy (Annaghdown ); C Mulryan (Cortoon Shamrocks ), C Cunningham (Corofin ), D Collins (Corofin ); P Glynn (Dunmore McHales ), A Nolan 0-1, (Killererin ), P Varley (Cortoon Shamrocks ); G Armstrong (Salthill/Knocknacarra ), L Silke (Corofin ); S Walsh, 0-9 (0-6f ) (Kilkerrin/Clonberne ), I Burke (Corofin ), C McNamara (Corofin ); S Silke 0-3 (Corofin ), A Varley 0-2, (Cortoon Shamrocks ), M McWalters (Milltown ). Subs used: M Farragher (Corofin ), C Coen (Annaghdown ), S O’Boyle (Corofin ) C Slattery (Kinvara ).
