Wins for Maigh Cuilinn, Dunmore, Corofin and Claregalway
Groups 1 and 3 completed in Galway SFC
TWO of the Galway Senior Football Championship's four groups wrapped up today as champions Maigh Cuilinn, Dunmore MacHales, Corofin and Claregalway all recorded victories.
Sean Kelly returned to action in Maigh Cuilinn's emphatic 6-20 to 0-19 win over Monivea-Abbey at Tuam Stadium, a result that sealed top spot in Group 3. Cathal Clancy's side led by 1-7 to 0-3 after the opening 15 minutes, the outstanding Niall Walsh shooting 1-6 of that tally. Charlie Cox added their second goal en route to a 2-12 to 0-8 interval advantage.
Kelly, Walsh (penalty), Sean O'Connor and Johnny Moloney all found the net in the second half. Glenn Kelly top scored for Monivea-Abbey who advance to the preliminary quarter-finals despite their heavy defeat.
In a goalfest in Pearse Stadium, Dunmore MacHales shot four goals to Naomh Anna Leitir Móir’s three to win an enjoyable Group 3 clash by 4-12 to 3-10. Barry Murray and Colm Costello (two) were on target for the victors in the first half, sending them into the dressing-rooms 3-9 to 1-5 to the good.
Although Leitir Móir rallied in the second period with two majors from Tomás Ó Curraoin – to add to Dylan Seoighe’s first half goal – Dunmore’s fourth goal from Murray sealed the points for Michael Halliday’s side and with it second place in the group. Naomh Anna enter the relegation playoffs following a third straight loss.
Corofin made it three wins out of three in Group 1 after blitzing Killannin by 3-20 to 1-5 at Pearse Stadium. A Ross Coen goal on 16 minutes along with two-pointers from Kieran Molloy (two) and Killian Joyce (free) saw the winners lead 1-13 to 0-2 at the break.
Goals from brothers Darragh and Liam Silke on 38 minutes and in injury-time respectively further underlined the chasm in class. Killannin’s green flag was raised by Cian Folan with two minutes to go. The West Board club now enter the relegation semi-finals.
In a battle between two qualified sides, Claregalway secured second place in Group 1 with a 3-14 to 1-13 win over Mountbellew-Moylough at Tuam Stadium. The men in black and amber led by 1-9 to 1-7 at half-time after playing into the scoreboard end. Eoin Finnerty bagged their goal in the seventh minute. Ger O'Riordan hit the net for Claregalway in reply.
The introduced Jack Mullen fired home with his first touch to move Claregalway 2-10 to 1-11 in front in the 39th minute, while Daniel Fitzmaurice added their third goal on 51 minutes. Conor Campbell and Mullen tagged on points from there to the finish as Mountbellew-Moylough were restricted to four second half points in defeat.
Elsewhere, Menlough were the day's big winners in the Intermediate Football Championship as their 2-13 to 2-6 victory over Clifden at the Prairie secured top spot in Group 3 and earned automatic qualification for the last eight. A haul of 2-9 from full-forward Donal Loftus was the headline contribution with his goals coming in the 21st and 23rd minute. Colm Coneys shot five points and Andrew Nee and Enda Conneely netted goals for Clifden.
Also in Group 3, An Spidéal scored six unanswered points to defeat Glenamaddy by 0-20 to 1-12 in Kenny Park. Glen' led by 0-9 to 0-6 at the break with Michael Fox their chief marksman. An Spidéal found another gear after the change of ends with an impressive 14 points including two-pointers from Antaine Ó Laoi and Liam Ó Conghaile. The pair finished with 17 points between them.
Michael Heneghan converted a 57th minute penalty to put Glen' ahead but An Spidéal pushed on to win and secure second place. Third-placed Glen' also qualify for the preliminary quarter-finals. Clifden enter the relegation playoffs.
In a clash that decided second and third in Group 1, Micheál Breathnach defeated Oileáin Árann by 1-21 to 3-11 in Ros Muc. St. Michael's, who have already guaranteed top spot, meet bottom-placed Kilkerrin-Clonberne on Sunday.
* See Herald Sport on Wednesday for full reports on this weekend's Galway Senior and Intermediate Football Championship ties.