Dramatic finish for Mayo schools in Connacht Final

The U15 boys of St Joseph’s Foxford dramatically claimed the Connacht title at Westport United’s grounds on Tuesday last. 

The early exchanges were even, but St Brendan’s of Belmullet, through Darragh Monaghan, seized the initiative 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 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.

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