Hard luck to a gallant and outstanding panel of players who were narrowly defeated by St. Colman’s College Newry on Saturday April 10th by a single point 2-10 to 0-15 in Croke Park.  The team did very well to recover after to early goals.  By half time they were right back in the game and half way through the second half they lead by two points.  However, a strong final quarter by St. Colmans ensured victory by the narrowest of margins and back to back Hogan Cups for the Co. Down side. Neutrals at the game commented on the high level of skill and sportsmanship demonstrated by both sides with open, clean, positive football.

Captain, Ian Burke from Corofin played a true captain’s role, leading by example.  The Varley twins from Cortoon played very well.  Shane Walsh from Kilkerrin / Clonberne was outstanding, scoring 0-9 and doing exceptionally well on the place kicking.  Seán Silke from Corofin was in good scoring form  notching up 0-3.

The team returned to the College to a rousing welcome from parents, students, staff, town people and many, many supporters.

Captain, Ian Burke from Corofin spoke of his sense of pride at being captain of St. Jarlath’s and carrying on the huge tradition that both St. Jarlath’s and St. Patricks have.  He spoke of the disappointment of not being able to bring home the Hogan Cup, but that the team and management left no stone unturned in their training and preparation.  He thanked the management and school authorities for the back-up and support at every level.  Most especially he thanked the fans for the wonderful support they offered during every game.

Mayor of Tuam, Clr Sally Anne Flanagan congratulated the team on being outstanding embassadors for the town and hinterland of Tuam.

President, Canon Brendan Kilcoyne spoke about the pride the school had in the manner in which the students demonstrated sportsmanship of the highest level.  He felt that this particular group of students represented all that was best of the tradition of the school and that they gave a great lift to the spirit of the new school that has built so strongly on the sporting tradition of the St. Jarlath’s and St. Patricks.  He felt it important to acknowledge and reflect on the huge role that people that went before us made in passing on the tradition that we have – past members of staff.  Particular mention was made of the late Canon Ollie Hughes, RIP.

Chairperson of the Board of Management, Mr. Paddy Boyle congratulated the team on all they had achieved.  He felt that Galway football was in good hands with such talented young players coming through.

Manager, Mr.  Joe Burke spoke of his gratitude to the players and backroom team, Clive Monahan, Liam Quinn, Tommy Joe Newell, Cathal Furey, Dr. McWeeney for their outstanding commitment and dedication.  He commended parents for the manner in which they supported the work of the team and the many sacrifices they had to make.  He looked forward to being on the stage next year with many of this penel, victorious, with the Hogan Cup!

Ms. Brighid Canon was thanked also for her work in focusing and motivating the team over the past two weeks.

All present were invited to refreshments in the students ref.  Archbishop Neary, Patron of the School was in attendance along with some past presidents and principals including Msgr. Dermot Moloney, Canon Conal Eustace and Mr. Kevin Dwyer.

The school community of St. Jarlath’s are extremely proud of the Senior A Panel of 2010-2011 for all the enjoyment and fun they have given to so many in the course of the football campaign this year.  We wish them well in the future.

All photos are courtesy of Francis Stockwell who was on the team in 1978 that defeated St. Colman’s Collge in the final and Coláiste Chríost Rí in the semi-final.

Click on the thumbnails below and view the gallery…

Congratulations to the Senior Football team who recorded a fantastic win over Coláiste Chríost Rí of Cork in the All Ireland Semi-Fintan on Saturday, March 26th in Cloughane GAA Pitch in Limerick.  The final score was 1-14 to 0-14.  The final will be in Croke Park on Saturday, April 9th at 1.45 pm against last years champions St. Colman’s of Newry.