St Jarlath's powered their way to another All-Ireland football final with a comprehensive victory over Tralee CBS at Milltown Malbay yesterday.
Boasting players from several western counties, the Tuam side effectively killed off the game with a display of sharp finishing in a 10minute spell in the first half when they scored 2-2 to put the game beyond the reach of Tralee.
Two superb goals from Tomas Griffin and Derry O'Brien capped an impressive first-half performance in which they allowed only two Tralee scores. However, the Galway side will be concerned at the manner in which they conceded two soft goals to Tralee forward Declan Quill and such complacency will surely be punished in the final.
After Ronan Loftus put them ahead in the opening minute, St Jarlath's were never in danger of relinquishing that advantage.
Leading by eight points at halftime, St Jarlath's, driven by outstanding performances from Mayo players Michael Webb and Ronan Loftus and Corofin star Declan Newell, were pegged back when Quill touched in a controversial goal. The ball was adjudged to have crossed the line after hitting crossbar and post.
St Jarlath's, however, remained in control and despite giving Tralee some good scoring opportunities, they were too strong for the Kerry side.
All-Ireland Vocational Schools champions Holy Trinity are on course to retain their title after a convincing win over Leinster titleholders Clara at Donagh on Saturday. The game ended on a sour note when a player from each side was sent off. Cookstown's Stephen McNally, who was dismissed along with Ciaran O'Meara, is now likely to miss the All-Ireland final.
ST JARLATH'S: J O'Hara; P CLarke, B Burke, L Brady; D Blake, D Burke, M Webb; R Loftus (0-3), E Trench; JP Steede (0-2), D Newell (1-3), D O'Brien (0-4); C O'Brien, T Griffin (1-0), A O'Donovan (0-1).
TRALEE: D Henebrey; G O'Sullivan, E McCarthy, D Varley; R Jones, G Walsh, M Wren; K Leen, T Greaney; M Collins (0-1), J O'Connor (0-4), M O'Connor; B Dennehy, K Walsh, D Quill (2-1).
Referee: W O'Mahony (Limerick).
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