HAVING waited 67 years for their second title last year, St Gerald's, Castlebar, were determined not to let such a gap happen again. A powerful second half display saw them pip the region's traditional kingpins, St Jarlath's College, Tuam, to retain their Connacht title in a disappointing final at Tuam yesterday.

A late score from corner forward Kenneth Hyland, secured victory for the Mayo side. However, they were let off the hook by generous St Jarlath's who wasted three late glorious chances, including two scoreable frees in the final minutes.

Ironically, it was St Jarlath's best player, Chris Donnellan, who was the main culprit for in the first half he led the Castlebar side on a merry dance as he dominated play in the full forward line.

Donnellan got his first score after 30 seconds and doubled his tally a minute later. Although playing against a light breeze, St Gerald's hit back and Fintan McHale should have done better when he shot over after being put through.

The holders settled, but were rattled when a fine run by Enda Duly ended when his thundering 30 yard shot flew off the upright into the net. Two points by Michael Hoban and another by Colm Staunton brought the gap to just one point and just when it seemed the Tuam side looked vulnerable, they struck again.

Michael Higgins found Brian O'Donovan in front of goal and he calmly made space for himself before shooting low into the corner of the net. Donnellan added another point but a Jamie Fitzmaurice score just before the break left the holders trailing by four points at the interval.

However, they were far from dead and after Hyland had pulled back a point, Niall Dunne scored a fine goal when he side stepped the St Jarlath's keeper, John O'Hara, and shot to the net. Enda Duly restored St Jarlath's lead but two points from Fitzmaurice put the holders in front for the first time with 15 minutes left.

Donnellan equalised but Hyland's shot from the right wing gave St Gerald's a slim advantage with six minutes remaining. St Jarlath's had three golden opportunities to tie up the score but first Daly and then Donnellan, with two 20 yard frees, wasted the chances.