Classy Casey guides Nathy's to Connacht glory
Dean Casey guided St. Nathy's College to the Connacht Senior B title. Picture: INPHO/Leah Scholes
A Dean Casey inspired St. Nathy’s College were crowned Connacht Post Primary Schools Senior B champions for the first time since 2018.
The Ballinameen man kicked three points but it was his link up play, which was most evident when he created the opening goal of the game for James Cassidy, that helped the Ballaghaderreen based school to provincial glory.
Ultimately, it was St. Nathy’s College’s powerful third quarter display, which saw them outscore their foes 1-4 to 1-0 that paved the way, despite nerves fraying at times in the final quarter.
That scoring burst left St. Nathy’s 2-8 to 1-4 ahead but four points without reply for a gutsy St. Joseph’s College side, with two coming from their best performer on the evening Dillon Gacquin, meaning just a goal separated the sides after 56 minutes.
However, despite going 15 minutes without a score, St. Nathy’s kicked for home when Western Gaels’ Noah Gill came off the bench to kick an inspirational effort before Casey tapped over to seal a sweet triumph.
St. Nathy’s led at half time, mainly due to their greater quality up front and far greater efficiency.
When they reflect upon this game, the Bish will regret converting just four out of their 14 scoring chances with Western Gaels shotstopper Patrick Gaynor denying Darragh Kelly a crucial goal in the seventh minute.
Casey’s fingerprints were all over his side’s first half showing as he produced a sublime pass in behind to James Cassidy as the Roscommon minor juggled possession before deciding to palm the ball beyond the advancing Aaron Hester.
That score allowed St. Nathy’s lead 1-4 to 0-4 at the break.
The winners put their foot down in the third quarter. Casey opened the scoring before he was involved in a move that culminated in Oran Frain steaming through the centre before blasting to the roof of the net.
Even though Shane Rather hit back with a deft finish to the net to give the Bish hope, a Casey free and two Ryan O’Sullivan scores pushed St. Nathy’s seven points clear.
The Galway side fought back to make this a one score game but Gill and the outstanding Casey ensured St. Nathy’s set up an All Ireland semi final with Cork's Mount Saint Michael Rosscarbery.
*Full report in Tuesday’s Roscommon Herald*
