On a day when Mother Nature let her rays of light shine on the hallowed turf of Heffernan Park by the banks of the Moy, the young guns of Gortnor Abbey took to the battle ground to duel with old foes Colaiste Chiarain of Carraroe for a place in the semi-final of the Connacht Schools Senior B Cup.

The visitors, who denied Gortnor the cup title last year, set about halting the home side’s drive for a coveted place in the last four on this occasion.

The home team started well; full of enthusiasm and showing a willingness to play a wide game only for the ball not to stick when scores were imminent.
Countless Gortnor attacks broke down in crucial areas of the park and they remained scoreless.

Craig McCormick, John Luskin and Liam Byrne held firm at 10, 12 and 13 respectively while the ever-vigilant Conor McHale at 6 was a constant thorn in the visitors’ side along with powerful Number 8 Pat Howley who committed three visiting players every time he went on a run.

The second half began with the game still scoreless and the visitors managed a break into unknown territory early on only to be thwarted by the home side’s back three which allowed McCormick’s large boot to boot to find the escape hatch
However, late on in the half a lapse in concentration allowed to visitors to cross for the game’s first score which was converted for a 7-0 lead.

The guests were boosted by the score and set about defending the narrow lead and with the home side conceding penalties, defeat looked ominous.
However, Gortnor Abbey had a dream in their hearts and their ever-plucky captain Sean Canavan, with his never-say-die attitude crossed the whitewash in the last play of the day with McCormick adding the conversion to leave the scoreboard reading 7-7 at the final whistle to the jubilant cries of the North Mayo students, who knew they had done enough to proceed in this year's competition by topping the group and avenging last season’s defeat to the West Galway school.

Gortnor Abbey’s progression now makes for an interesting semi-final draw as both Gortnor and St Muredachs may have to face off against each other for a final berth.

Who will go forward? Only time will tell, but one thing is guaranteed – It will be a classic when they meet.