St James’ hit the goal trail in claiming minor B crown

Tuam Stars 0-13

Patrick Flaherty at Pearse Stadium

FOR the first time in over a decade a minor football title returns to the east of the city, a sublime performance that saw them hit 3-9 from play sealing the county B trophy for St James’ over a dogged Tuam Stars outfit.

Leading by a point at half time, the Jimmies hit three goals at decisive moments; a brace from Jack Nolan coupled with a late Dessie Hynes strike seeing the Renmore/Mervue outfit land a county minor crown for the first time since 2009.

It was the North Board champions that started the brighter, however, with impressive solo runs from Mark Colleran and Calan Tynan teeing up scores for Jack and Luke Davin respectively.

The Stars dominated possession in the first 10 minutes, winning all the battles around the pitch while keeping their opponents off the ball as Tuam looked to run at James’ as much as possible playing against a very strong wind, with Tynan their main threat.

The elements were initially no help to the city side chasing a first title since the last of three Minor A triumphs in a row, county minor Daniel McNulty hitting what are usually scoreable frees well wide and high into the air with his first two attempts.

Tuam had the first chance to create a significant gap with two goal chances in the space of 60 seconds, James Egan coming off his line at speed to deny Jack Davin, before quickly being called on to thwart Ronan Colleran on seven minutes.

The Jimmies may have looked smaller and less physical than their counterparts, but made up for it with immense speed and quality passing. Eoin Finnerty took over around the middle as the boys led by David Henry bagged six in a row utilising the breeze to bomb the ball into the forward line.

Finnerty soloed in 40 yards to set up McNulty for their side’s opener on 12 minutes before duly finding Nolan and Keane Griffon in space as James’ took full control of proceedings going into the water break, further efforts from McNulty and Nolan leaving them 0-6 to 0-2 in front.

Nolan was the main target man for St James’ who with every possession looked like creating scores, but Tuam switched Luke Fallon onto Nolan and the in-form full back swept up anything in his path.

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

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