Highs and lows for Mayo teams in league finals

Mayo teams experienced the agony and the ecstasy of schools rugby last Wednesday when one was crowned Connacht champions at the Dexcom Stadium and the other lost their final in the most excruciating circumstances imaginable.

The Connacht senior and junior girls league ‘A’ finals were both taking place at the home of Connacht Rugby. The senior was a contest between Mount St Michael of Claremorris and Roscommon’s Convent of Mercy. Ably captained by Gráinne Hahessy, everything seemed to be going according to the hopes and dreams of the Mayo side when they found themselves firmly in command of the scoreboard at half-time, 19-5. Mount St Michael would even add another converted try after the restart and yet still it wouldn’t be enough, as Convent of Mercy put 22 points on the board in that second-half to come storming from behind and emerge as the narrowest of winners, 26-27.

As Mount St Michael’s remarked on social media afterwards, it was “a sad end to a wonderful year”.

There was no sadness in Westport on Tuesday evening however, when the girls of Sacred Heart School rolled back into town with the Connacht Schools junior league ‘A’ cup safely in their possession – and a Garda escort! Convent of Mercy were also their opposition but with the Mayo outfit 15-5 in front at half-time, the Roscommon girls were unable to replicate the comeback heroics of their senior team and the 10-points margin remained at full-time, with SHS Westport running out 25-15 winners.

They did so with a display of some impressive rugby skills and no shortage of hard work. The presence of many supporters from SHS Westport also helped to create a lively atmosphere at Dexcom Stadium.

It was a victory made possible by two tries apiece from Orla Palaz and Ruth Conway and one from team captain Kitty Sweeney.

Gratitude was afterwards expressed towards the team’s coaches, Claire Coughlan, Dave Conway and Des Reidy, for their dedication, time and effort throughout the season.