St Colman’s of Claremorris reach All-Ireland senior schools final 

All-Ireland Post Primary Schools Senior A Championship semi-final 

St Colman’s Claremorris 4-4 

Coláiste Mhuire Mullingar 1-7

In Woodmount 

FOR the first time since 1981, St Colman’s College have reached the final of the most prestigious competition in schools football. 

With an army of supporters in tow, the Claremorris-based school scored three second-half goals to get the better of an opposition that never gave in. 

Four of the game’s five goals came in a thrilling second half, which followed a slow-burning, cagey first half. ;

Despite pointing after sixteen seconds through Craig Cassidy, St Colman’s stayed in second gear for most of the first half - as did Coláiste Mhuire. 

The Connacht champions kick-started the contest when corner-back Nathan Gill raised a green flag with a superb finish on eighteen minutes. 

Leading 1-2 0-3 at the break, St Colman’s began the second half with an almighty bang when ex-Mayo Minor captain Tom Hession netted with just over a minute played. 

His former Mayo teammate, Darragh Beirne, added another green flag on 38 minutes after pouncing on Seán O’Connel’s rebounded shot.

Dara Flanagan added yet another three-pointer to make it 4-2 to 0-6 with just over ten minutes to go. 

However, spurred by the accuracy of Will Scahill, Coláiste Mhuire kept within touching distance, with Scahill finding the net within moments of Flanagan’s effort.

More goal chances came and went on either side, but St Colman’s had enough strength at the rear to march one step closer to Hogan Cup glory. 

A full report, plus reaction from St Colman’s captain Rio Mortimer and manager Eoghan Collins, will be carried in Tuesday’s Mayo News.