Corofin United 4

Cois Fharraige 0

Mike Rafferty at Eamonn Deacy Park

BASED on statistical evidence this Joe Ryan Cup final produced a comprehensive victory for Corofin United, but at Eamonn Deacy Park on Wednesday night, the evidence on the pitch was less clear cut as Cois Fharraige certainly gave as good as they got in a entertaining contest that brought the local soccer season to a finale.

One up at the break as Dylan Wall got their opener, Corofin’s second just four minutes after the restart was the turning point as Barry O’Donovan applied the finish before two subsequent goals killed off the contest as it put a meaner look on proceedings that the Connemara side deserved. However, in front of a sizeable crowd, Corofin had more of a cutting edge as they made the most of the opportunities that came their way.

No doubt, the winners had long forgotten their opening game in the competition when they had just a Jonathan Keane goal to show for their efforts in a 1-1 draw after extra time with lowly Renmore B, but aided by the saves of Dylan Canney, they advanced by 3-2 in a penalty shoot out.

Of course, Corofin followed this up with a 3-2 away victory over Moyne Villa in the semi-finals and would have been the fancied team going into the decider. Cois  Fharraige had seen off Cregmore/Claregalway by 7-0 and this was followed up by a Seamus de Búrca winner in a 1-0 derby success over Mac Dara.

After a tentative opening as both sides probed, it was Corofin United who made the breakthrough on 14 minutes when Nathan Kearney did all the good work down the right and the inrushing Dylan Wall got the touch to his cross to make it 1-0 from close range. Cois Fharraige threatened a response, as Seamus de Búrca sent Chris Ó Biadha through on goal, but Canney made the first of many smart saves to deny him.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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Galway 0-20

Westmeath 0-12

PROBABLY the most consistent Gaelic football team in the country have one foot in the All-Ireland quarter-finals after a storming closing 20 minutes wore down a gallant Westmeath outfit at a sun-splashed Cusack Park on Saturday evening.

In recording a ninth championship victory from their last 10 outings, Galway eventually lived up to their reputation as one of the top contenders to land the Sam Maguire Cup in 2023. A winning margin of eight points may have slightly flattered them, but when the need was greatest, they impressively lifted the tempo.

Sure, Galway wouldn’t win the All-Ireland title based on this evidence, but they didn’t have to in Mullingar. Instead, it was all about keeping the momentum going and departing the Midlands with the wind still in their sails.

This second round Group 2 clash proved no walk in the park as Galway were made to work hard in only the second-ever championship meeting between the counties. They didn’t help themselves by spurning a number of clear-cut goal chances, while several players fell short of their usual standards.

Down the stretch, however, Galway displayed the qualities which caried them all the way to last year’s All-Ireland final. It’s always a sign of a good team which can pull out that bit extra when involved in a dogfight. They were also composed, with their game-management improving all the time.

It would be an exaggeration to suggest that Galway were in a big hole when they trailed by 0-11 to 0-9 after 47 minutes, but they were in a battle and Westmeath were showing the kind of energy and purpose which took them to brink of a shock victory over Armagh the previous weekend.

The Tribesmen needed a positive surge from their substitutes to exert their superiority over the closing quarter, and neither Damien Comer nor John Maher were found wanting in giving their team badly-needed penetration when going forward. Furthermore, they picked off an invaluable four points between them.

That’s the big difference from Galway of 2022. Their bench is stronger, and it could be tested even more over the coming weeks as both Rob Finnerty and Shane Walsh hobbled off the field, while Matthew Tierney didn’t look entirely comfortable either with a dead leg.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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Galway 1-12

Cork 0-12

Eanna O’Reilly at Kenny Park

THE Galway senior camogie team opened their 2023 championship campaign with a narrow victory over Cork at a sun-drenched Kenny Park on Saturday, to keep a dominant recent record over the Rebels intact.

Cathal Murray’s side certainly have the Indian sign over Cork at senior level, with their last eight competitive meetings resulting in one draw and seven Galway victories.

On the day, Matthew Twomey’s Cork side had an absolute nightmare in front of the posts. Cork tallied 14 wides to Galway’s seven, with their free taking in particular, deteriorating badly in the second half. After the 40th minute departure of Amy O’Connor, Cork subsequently used three different free takers, all of whom were off target with placed balls, before eventually settling on Katrina Mackey.

Galway were fortunate to be let off the hook by the visitors’ wastefulness. Nevertheless, the Tribeswomen once again showed great composure to take their chances in a game in which they were below par for long spells. With less possession and scoring opportunities, the hosts never panicked and turned the contest in their favour impressively during the second half.

Galway started with two changes from the league final winning side. Sarsfields duo Siobhán McGrath and Sarah Spellman came into the team in place of Niamh McPeake and Ciara Hickey respectively. Áine Keane was unusually positioned at right half back, while Siobhán Gardiner started the game in midfield.

Two Carrie Dolan frees and Cork points from Chloe Sigerson and Katrina Mackey left the score at 0-2 apiece after eight minutes in Kenny Park. The visitors soon got on top and tallied three scores without reply. Mackey and Sigerson added their second points, while Amy O’Connor converted a free for the Rebels.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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