Congratulations to Calasanctius College on their well-earned six-point win over a highly competitive Portumna Community School in Gort today, securing a 2-13(19) to 0-13(13) victory in challenging underfoot conditions.

With a strong breeze at their backs, Calasanctius stormed into a commanding 1-8(11) to 0-04(4) half time lead. A well-worked goal from Cillian Costello after excellent link-up play from Ryan Holland set the tone, while standout centre-back Tiernan Grealish, Gus Lohan, and Cian Mannion added points from play. Lohan was clinical from placed balls, converting a series of frees won by the tireless Sam Casey and the dominant midfield duo of Stephen Ruane and Eoin Healy.

The question at halftime was whether a seven-point cushion would be enough against the wind. Portumna responded strongly, reducing the deficit to four early in the second half. However, Calasanctius delivered the defining moment of the game: a superb puck-out into the wind from Aaron Hanrahan was expertly won by Gus Lohan, whose pinpoint delivery found full-forward Jack Ackman. Ackman’s precise layoff set up Costello for his second goal, an emphatic finish that ultimately decided the contest.

Defensively, Calasanctius stood firm. Full-back Noah Carroll was immense, repeatedly breaking out from the backline, while the ever reliable Cian Cusack and Daniel Stokes ensured Portumna never found the net. Wing-backs Cathal Hanniffy and Jamie Egan played with intelligence and composure, closing out the game effectively. Second-half substitute James McGuire also made a notable impact with his work rate, epitomizing the grit of Niall Armstrong’s well-drilled side.

After the game, captain Gus Lohan expressed gratitude to club GDO Jack Grealish for his coaching in the lead-up. Attention now turns to the Connacht Senior B final on Saturday, February 15th.

Scorers: Gus Lohan (0-09, 8 frees), Cillian Costello (2-01), Tiernan Grealish, Cian Mannion and Stephen Ruane (0-01 each).