WATCH: St. Barry's manager Gerard Evans and Shannon McGuinness reflect on their side booking Connacht final berth
St. Barry's captain Niamh Toolan and Coolera/Strandhill captain Shona Dalton alongside referee John Devlin prior to throw in. Picture: Roscommon LGFA.
St. Barry’s booked their spot in the Connacht LGFA Intermediate final as their rock solid defence and Georgia Gerrity’s six point haul proved decisive.
The Tarmonbarry based outfit were deserving winners as they held Coolera/Strandhill scoreless from play in the second half. The Sligo side only troubled the scoreboard in the final period when Anna McDaniel tapped over a 42nd minute free.
In a razor tight first half, St. Barry’s almost enjoyed the perfect start when Edel Beirne raided through on goal. However, Beibhinn Harte pulled off an excellent near post save after 30 seconds.
The sides were level four times during the opening period. Gerrity stroked over three frees while Cara Cox also troubled the scoreboard. However, Laura Ann Laffey’s brace alongside scores from Anna McDaniel and Mairead McIntyre kept Coolera/Strandhill firmly in the contest.
Despite Heather Cox nudging Coolera/Strandhill in front, a brilliant Gerrity pass found Cox, who coolly sidefooted to the net to give St. Barry’s a 1-4 to 0-5 half time lead.
In a tense second half littered with turnovers, a Gerrity free was the only score in the third quarter. An Anna McDaniel placed ball after 47 minutes meant Coolera/Strandhill trailed by just two points.
But St. Barry’s dug deep to kick the final four points of the game as Gerrity’s brace alongside efforts from Millie Hagan and Cox ensured they secured an historic win.
**After the game Shannon McGuinness spoke about flying home to play and St. Barry’s manager Gerard Evans expressed his pride in his team’s gritty win.**
