What a year it is for St James, in 12 months they have rose from the ranks of Intermediate to Senior and on Sunday won the ultimate Club GAA Prize by winning their first ever Wexford senior football title at the expense of St. Martin’s in Innovate Wexford Park
Late points from Brian Molloy and Kevin O’Grady secured an historic victory for the James, There were wonderful scenes at the end when St. James’ captain Brendan Doyle raised the cup.
Ciaran Lyng posted two early points for the men in maroon, but first-time finalists St. James’ eventually got a foothold in the game and went on to lead by 0-5 to 0-4 at half-time thanks to scores from Adam Parle, Matthew O’Hanlon and Kevin O’Grady.
A Lyng penalty immediately after the restart put Martin’s back in front, but the Jimmies levelled through Parle and O’Grady. Further points from Brian Molloy and O’Grady put them two clear before a Lyng brace levelled it again with two minutes remaining.
But the underdogs weren’t to be denied as Molloy and O’Grady landed the winning scores.
[nggallery id=198].
ST JAMES: J Ryan; P Barron, J Barron, G Doyle; D Doyle, G Molloy (0-1), R Barron; B Doyle, M O’Hanlon (0-1, free); D Barron, K O’Grady (0-5, for frees), D Keating (0-1); L Murphy, B Molloy (0-2), A Parle (0-1). Subs: D Lyons for D Barron (56 mins); L Murphy for Keating (59 mins); M Molloy for L Murphy (62 mins).
ST MARTIN’S: N Greene; H O’connor, W Devereux, M Maloney; Joe O’Connor, D Hayes, J firman; D Waters, S Murphy; R O’Connor, J Carty, A Maddock; C Redmond (0-1), C Lyng (1-4, 1-0 pen), R Murphy (0-1). Subs: P O’Connor for R Murphy (40 mins); J Coleman for Redmond (46 mins); E O’Byrne for R O’Connor (55 mins).
Referee: D Jenkins (Gusserane).