St Nathy's Ballaghaderreen and Cnoc Mhuire Granard (Longford) played in the All-Ireland Post-Primary Schools 'B' Championship final in Ballinamore, Leitrim. Pic: Conor McKeown
GAA - ALL-IRELAND POST-PRIMARY SCHOOLS B FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL
Cnoc Mhuire Granard 3-11
St Nathys College. Ballaghaderreen 1-9
In Ballinamore
By the time Conor Dourneen's full-time whistle sounded, the blue brigade of Cnoc Mhuire Granard were ecstatic and clear winners over St Nathy's of Ballaghaderreen.
However, the eleven-point scoreline doesn't paint the true picture of Saturday's joust for the Paddy Drummond Cup.
The proud soldiers from Mayo, Sligo, and Roscommon put in an effort they can be proud of.
However, the Granard intensity in defence and absolute refusal to take a backward step means that the trophy will rest in the O'Farrell County for the rest of 2026.
The destination of the title was anyone's guess with eight minutes to go, when Declan Duffy had just stroked the ball over to leave just two between the sides as Nathy's seemed to be riding the comeback trail.
However, two net-shakers in as many minutes killed those hopes, consigning the boys in green to the unwanted title of 'runners-up'.
They will take many memories from this year. Whether it be that day in Bekan where they secured provincial honours against The Bish, or their first-rate performance in UL to book their place in Saturday's joust for the mountain-top.
However, to the victors go the spoils, and the celebrations will last for some time in East Longford.
A full report will be carried in Tuesday's edition of The Mayo News.
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