At the Connacht Schools Senior A Cup Final, Sligo Grammar clinched their third consecutive title in a thrilling display against Marist College, defeating them with a score of 29 to 18 on the field of the Dexcom Stadium. Marist College put up a strong fight, making this their seventh final; however, despite their determination, they ultimately lacked in final execution.
Despite an early favourable momentum for Marist Athlone, every attempt at a breakthrough was blocked by a strong Sligo Grammar defence line, until their scrumhalf, Charlie O’Carroll, nudged them ahead with a penalty. Nevertheless, the Grammar outfit retaliated instantly from the kick-off, with lock Dylan McCloat securing the first try. The scoring was then concluded by outhalf Mark Tempany, resulting in additional points.
Throughout the match, Sligo’s wingers, Gareth McGinty and Dara Holmes, posed a constant threat from wide positions, narrowly missing out on numerous occasions. Marist Athlone soon responded, registering their first points after gaining a penalty. The team’s forward manoeuvred the situation to their advantage, ultimately resulting in O’Tega Awjhinawhi breaching Sligo’s defensive line to score. In response, Sligo’s Jack Deegan equalized the score with an expertly struck penalty.
Despite showcasing a promising opportunity through O’Carrell, and significant progress from the centre duo Thomas Cotton and Tom Sheehan, Marist had to wait for the second half to take the lead. Connacht U18 player and scrumhalf Charlie O’Carroll bolstered the team’s morale by securing a penalty, pushing them ahead at 13-10.
Sligo showcased their top-tier qualities by maintaining possession and scoring a vital try. The try was facilitated by Gareth McGinty, playing fullback, who adeptly passed to Gerard Murtagh in the centre, leaving flanker Quentin Moughty just enough space to make a touchdown in the left corner. Though conversion narrowly missed, it allowed Sligo to pull ahead by two points. Their dominance was further highlighted when an excellent maul concluded in the left corner with lock Liam McNamee Mas scoring a try, with the conversion completed by Mark Tempany, giving them a lead of 22-13.
Marist’s zeal seemed to wane as Sligo augmented their score through McGinty and another conversion by Tempany. Though Marist managed to score a late consolation try by substitute Ryan Andrew, it was indisputably Sligo Grammar’s day as they secured their 13th win.
The scorers from Sligo Grammar School include Dylan McCloat, Quentin Moughty, Liam McNamee Mas, and Gareth McGinty, while the scorers from Marist College include Otega Awhinawhi and Rian Claffey.
The teams were as follows: Marist College included Andrew Henson; Lorcan McCormack, Thomas Cotton, Tom Sheehan, Daniel Reid; James Clarke, Charlie O’Carroll; Kailin Blessing, Evan McMickan, James Heaslip; Matthew Fallon, Callum Kelly; Patrick Egan, Otega Awhinawhi, Niall Tallon, with replacements Kyle Byrne, Tom Bourke, Conor Dowling, Rian Claffey. Sligo Grammar School included Gareth McGinty; Dara Holmes, Gerard Murtagh, Earl Norris, Jack Draper; Mark Tempany, Jacon Kilcoyne; Jack Deegan, William Draper, Arann Platt; Dylan McCloat, Liam McNamee Mas; Quentin Moughty, Max Hunter, Diarmaid O’Connell, with replacements Luke Marvrak, Ambrose Devine, Isaac Marsden, Senan Fallon, Bertie Bamber. The game was officiated by C Roddy from Connacht.