27 February 2010
A personal tally of 1-9 from man of the match CJ McGourty helped St Gall's book a place in the final of the AIB All-Ireland Club Football Championship as the Antrim men finally came out on top against Galway and Connacht champions Corofin 1-15 to 1-11 after extra-time at Parnell Park.
The Antrim champions appeared to be on course for a convincing win when they led by 1-5 to 0-2 after twenty minutes, the goal coming from the mercurial McGourty who palmed the ball to the Corofin net after great work by big brother Kevin.
However the Galway men fought back and a goal from Kieran Comer brought them right back into contention, trailing by just three points at the break.
Corofin closed the gap after the restart and when St Gall’s had centre-half back Anto Healey sent off after receiving a second yellow card the Belfast boys appeared to be in trouble. However they showed great character and despite missing a succession of chances edged ahead in the final minute of normal time with another point from CJ McGourty.
Corofin were not finished and a late point from Gary Sice brought the game to extra time.
After regaining the lead in the early stages of extra time St Gall’s received a boost when Corofin had a man sent off, somewhat harshly it has to be said. The Antrim men led by a point at half-time in extra time and stretched that lead to two with four minutes left to play.
Corofin pulled a point back with time ticking away and a replay seemed a possibility but St Gall’s produced a storming finish which saw corner-back Paul Veronica hit one of the best points of the game, CJ add two more to bring his personal tally to 1-9, and one from the brilliant Sean Kelly to book a place in the St Patrick’s Day final against Clare champions Kilmurry Ibrackane.
In doing so they will become the first club in Ireland to appear in both an All Ireland club hurling and football final in the same season.
A great achievement by a great club. Roll on St Patrick's Day.