St Thomas’ are too strong in taking county U-20 title

Pádraig Pearses 2-10

DARREN KELLY AT DUGGAN PARK

Thomas’ ensured their underage supply was still healthy last Wednesday as they secured the county under 20 B1 hurling championship in Ballinasloe.

Evan Brady’s 56th minute goal wrapped up the contest for the Kilchreest/Peterswell team but they could have made life much easier for themselves.

An early seven-point advantage was wiped out by Pádraig Pearses goals for Cian Murphy and Darragh Roche, while St Thomas’ were also denied by three second half saves from Pearses’ keeper Harry Mitchell.

That being said, Pearses were architects of their own downfall as they struck five wides inside the opening 12 minutes and finished with a dozen in total. And they didn’t score from play during the second period even though they were just three points behind entering the closing strait.

A good crowd showed up on a dark evening under floodlights and St. Thomas’ laid down a marker from the throw-in. Midfielder Tom Fahy cut down the middle before supplying Brady for the opener.

Pádraig Pearses responded immediately with Patrick Kenny advancing forward before setting up Luke Mitchell to register on two minutes. But it would be a quarter hour before they scored again.

While Pearses were pucking wides, St Thomas’ were putting over scores. Killian Boulger out left put them back ahead before Aaron Uniacke was fouled and Brady made it 0-3 to 0-1.

The left flank was reaping dividends as Darren Farrell was the supplier to get Fahy on the scoreboard. And when an opposing defender stepped over the end line, Brady’s 65 put four between them.

There’s a winning culture in St. Thomas’ with the success of their seniors and the signs were ominous approaching the quarter hour. Lucas Manso won a free for Brady to tally before the two players applied pressure forcing a mistake from the Pearses’ defence.

Brady took that opportunity from play and with the Toms’ half backs breaking down ball regularly, Conor Headd’s delivery to Brady on 16 minutes made it 0-8 to 0-1.

Cillian Fahy gave the boys in black a lift 60 seconds later with a superb strike near the right sideline, but St. Thomas’ should have put this to bed in their next attack.

Pictured: Oisin Donoghue (right) and Cillian Fahy of Pádraig Pearses follow the flight of the ball along with St Thomas' Paul O'Donnell during Wednesday's County U-20 B1 Final at Duggan Park. Photo: Joe O'Shaughnessy.