Dunmore MacHales 1-10

St. Molaise Gaels 0-8

Ivan Smyth at Tuam Stadium

DUNMORE MacHales set up a Connacht semi-final showdown with Ballyhaunis as a Matthew Redington goal before half time saw them through at Tuam Stadium on Saturday.

Despite the esteemed history of Dunmore, this was the club’s first ever victory in a Connacht championship game. They will have little time to dwell on that achievement as they head to MacHale Park on Saturday to take on the Mayo champions.

The Dunmore defence deserves credit for holding a St. Molaise Gaels side that had averaged 22 points per game coming in to this encounter to a measly eight scores, half of which came from frees. Sure, the November weather meant this wasn’t going to be a shootout, but Dunmore defended stoutly even though they were guilty of playing themselves into trouble during the second half.

Ultimately, a dour third quarter won this game for Dunmore. Leading 1-5 to 0-3 at half time after Redington’s goal and a fine Connor Gleeson save just before the break, neither side found the target in the first 15 minutes of the final period. Dunmore appeared in a spot of bother when Redington was black carded for an off the ball incident 90 seconds in to the second half.

However, Gary Delaney’s side managed to play keep ball for much of the 10 minute spell although St. Molaise Gaels almost found a breakthrough during this period when Joseph Keaney broke through, but Dylan Brady stooped low to block the midfielder’s goalbound effort.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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