St. Marys champions after double
strike
 By ANTHONY
McLAUGHLIN
ST. MARYS 2-11
JOHN MITCHELLS 0-10
Intermediate Football Championship Final
At a crowded Pairc na hÉireann St. Marys basked in the glory of
winning their first Intermediate championship since 1998 defeating John
Mitchells in a tense final on Sunday.
Long-range goals from Peter McLaughlin and Paddy Willis in each half sealed
a victory in an incident packed match.
St. Marys started the better and signalled their intent with an early
chance for Paddy Willis that shaded the posts. Moments later Peter McLaughlin
pitched a long ball into the Mitchell goalmouth and the ensuing confusion
led to the ball bouncing into the corner of the net.
Mitchells to their credit fought their way back immediately as half
forward Kieran Grace opened his account from the dead ball, by the halfway
point in the half Mitchells had clawed their way back to level scores.
St. Marys from Wolverhampton then stepped up a gear as their half forward
line began to pull the strings.
Gerry Bradley in particular was having a storming game obtaining the
first of his five scores just before half-time and constantly creating
havoc in the Mitchells rearguard.
The competition remained fierce in the second-half as both teams sought
victory. St. Marys took the initiative when it mattered and scored three
unanswered points through some excellent free flowing play.
Bradley not only increased his points tally but provided the link up to
further scores from Andy Willis and Liam Hickey.
In an ill-tempered game it was the second goal that left Mitchells with
a mountain to climb. Another swift move from Bradley released Paddy Willis
to loop a ball into the net after an unfortunate error in the Mitchells
goalmouth.
Being willed on by a passionate following St. Marys were closing in on
their first championship for eight years.
To their credit Mitchells never threw the towel in and inspired by their
half-back Barry Sharkey they gave chase. First Grace converted another
free from long range and then Sean Smith found himself in on goal only
to fire wide under severe pressure. Matthew Grace found a late score but
the gap remained too great as Mitchells were left to rue their missed
goal opportunities.
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