Ecstasy as St Joseph's beat St Brendan's in all-Mayo Connacht Schools final

FAI SCHOOLS MINOR 'B' BOYS CONNACHT CUP FINAL

St Joseph's Secondary School, Foxford 3

St Brendan's College, Belmullet 2

The boys from the Moy claimed the provincial title in dramatic fashion in Westport United’s fantastic grounds when edging past a talented St Brendan's side. The early exchanges were even and well-balanced before St Brendan’s siezed the initiative through Darragh Monaghan with a fine goal from their first shot on target.

Unfazed by this setback, St Joseph’s pressed hard for the equaliser and were rewarded ten minutes before the break with a sublime finish from Finn Sweeney.

The second half got underway with St Joseph’s being the dominant side forcing the Belmullet goalkeeper Evan McAndrew into a number of fine saves.

However, neither side could fashion a winner and extra-time was the result.

It was the second period of extra-time when this contest provided the most dramatic finish imaginable. Ronnie Deacy gave Foxford a 2-1 lead with a goal worthy of winning any final. However, with five minutes remaining St Brendan’s forced an equaliser when Oscar Barrett fired home from close range.

At this point the prospect of a dreaded penalty shoot-out loomed. St Joseph’s showed their refusal to be beaten and with two minutes left Jamie Loughney came up with an excellent match winner that was the cue for wild celebrations.

Now, an All-Ireland semi-final awaits this latest group of Connacht champions to emerge from St Joseph’s.