Co. minor A football decider dominates hectic weekend

Dara Bradley

FOUR pieces of silverware are on offer this weekend in the junior (A and B) and minor (A and B) championship football finals in two double-headers at Tuam and Pearse Stadiums.

In a clash of the underage titans of Galway football, reigning champions St James’ put their crown on the line when they meet Corofin in the minor A championship decider at Pearse Stadium on Sunday (3.45), a repeat of last year’s final.

A fascinating battle is on the cards against the two clubs who have dominated this grade in recent years – 2008 winners Corofin will be looking to avenge for last year’s loss to St James in the county final. It may not be as impressive as the north Galway kingpins’ famous eight in-a-row between 1992 and 1999 but the Mervue/Renmore club are gunning for their fourth title in five years, having also won back-to-back titles in 2006 against Annaghdown and in 2007 against Monivea-Abbey.

Corofin will be looking to complete the first half of a U18 and senior double, while St James are also looking to do a minor and intermediate double this year. Corofin will look to the likes of county minor panellist Daithí Burke, to provide leadership at midfield; as well as other survivors from last season, ‘keeper Tom Healy, midfielder Patrick Coen, and Seán Silke and Ian Burke up front.

St James will be hoping their minor county star Aaron Connolly, as well as the likes of survivors from the 2009 winning team, Adam Lee, who scored two goals in the West Board final, Seán Glynn, and Eoghan O’Regan, can provide inspiration.

Earlier on Sunday, there’s a unique pairing between two teams based either end of the county – one in Connemara, the other on the Roscommon border – about ninety miles or more apart.

Clifden, who beat Oughterard in the West Board final, face Williamstown, who defeated Caherlistrane in the North Board final, in the county decider at 2pm at Pearse Stadium.

On Saturday at Tuam Stadium Salthill/Knocknacarra and Ballinasloe clash in the junior A decider at 4.45pm with the winners earning promotion to intermediate.

For more, read this week's Galway City Tribune.