St Gerald’s through to Connacht final after win over defiant Summerhill

Connacht Post Primary Schools A Championship Semi-final

St Gerald's 1-9 Summerhill College 0-9

Oisín McGovern in Bekan

THE Bekan breeze powered St Gerald’s into a Connacht final this evening as a class first half gave their opponents a hill that was too high to climb.

Although they went down fighting, kicking all 0-9 of their points in the second half, Summerhill were unable to make amends for a poor, scoreless first half where St Gerald’s ruled everything.

An early second half goal from Ryan Gibbons was the pivotal score as the Geralds’ boat swayed in the Summerhill storm.

But ultimately, the Castlebar school had enough to see them into the decider, where they will meet Maurice Sheridan’s Coláiste Baile an Clár.

Summerhill got virtually nothing in the first half.

Playing into a strong wind, the Sligo lads were seven-nil down after Ryan Gibbons (2), Gavin Forry (2, 1 free), Connal Durcan Cathal Keaveney and Dara Neary all pointed.

Summerhill had one serious goal chance when Paul Flynn crashed a shot of the Gerald’s crossbar, which was as good as it got for them in the first half.

Running into the dressing room without a score to their name, Summerhill were sickened shortly after the restart when Yousif Coghill’s hopeful high ball found the net through Ryan Gibbons’ first.

Summerhill slowly snapped into gear, winning more possession and kicking nine points, six of which came from the excellent Conor Flynn.

They through all their might at St Gerald's in search of a goal in the dying moments, but time ran out and the Mayo lads booked their date with destiny.

A full match report plus reaction from the St Gerald's camp will be carried in Tuesday’s Mayo News.