Corofin forced to dig deep in fending off St Brigid's

St Brigid's 1-14

(After extra-time)

WHILE the drama and excitement of Sunday’s epic encounter between Corofin and St. Brigid’s made for enthralling viewing, it was very much a case of “job done move on” for the Galway champions, who did just about enough in the end to claim victory after appearing poised to blow the Roscommon side out of the water for the second year running.

When the ever reliable Gary Sice pointed on 38 minutes, Corofin had turned a three point deficit into a five point lead in the space of just 17 glorious minutes of industrious, accurate, free flowing football either side of half time. Ian Burke’s well struck goal had sparked Corofin to life, and St. Brigid’s could barely lay a glove on them in that spell.

Jason Leonard’s 32nd minute effort in particular was a joy to behold, as Sice collected a pinpoint Dylan Wall handpass under pressure and turned on a dime, leaving his marker on the deck, before arrowing a cross field pass into Martin Farragher’s chest. Leonard was already motoring into space off his shoulder and a quick handpass gave him room to kick a fantastic point.

It was a classic example of the basic elements of the game being executed with remarkable accuracy and pace, the hallmarks of Corofin at their best. And yet, it could be argued that the winning of this game came down to a ball ricocheting favourably off a post, dropping into the space where substitute Justin Burke was able to react sharply despite the presence of three St. Brigid’s defenders.

He had the presence of mind to pick out another replacement, Daithí Burke, who fired a bullet of a shot to the net to finally break St. Brigid’s resolve. Corofin’s renowned strength in depth had flexed its muscles, but how had it come to pass that they were a vital component of this victory?

Had Corofin converted one of two gilt edged goal chances early in the first half, their ingterval lead may have ended up more reflective of their overall dominance. St. Brigid’s had started encouragingly well with Senan Kilbride and Padraig Kelly on target to give their large following hope that 2016’s harrowing loss would not be repeated, but Corofin were quite soon on level terms.

Full coverage in this week's Connacht Tribune.