St. James’ 0-13

Maigh Cuilinn 0-13

By DARREN KELLY AT KENNY PARK

IN the end, the status quo remained after a captivating contest in the senior football championship on Saturday as a 63rd minute Dessie Conneely two-pointer secured Maigh Cuilinn’s unbeaten status and sent the two-time champions into the quarter-finals.

Events elsewhere looked to have guaranteed Cathal Clancy’s side top spot in Group 2 beforehand but in a game full of possession football and memorable moments, they took the last one to ensure a share of the spoils.

St. James’ will be disappointed to let another victory slip having led by five points at half-time (0-8 to 0-3) and three entering the closing stages.

They were guilty of 14 wides, and probably tried too hard to gain orange flags with the wind in the first half. But their campaign could simply come down to psychology now as they prepare to meet Milltown in the preliminary play-offs.

One can look at two wins thrown away (Killannin came from nine points down in Round 1), but with Maigh Cuilinn among the pre-championship favourites, and Killannin semi-finalists as recently as 2021, one one-point reversal isn’t a bad innings despite their third placed finish.

The weather turned this weekend presenting a whole new challenge. Wind has been no stranger but coupled with changeable wet conditions made it difficult for both teams. It was still a good game but goalkeepers clearing outside the 40 metre arc against the elements was nearly impossible.

St. James’ still could advance directly to the final eight with a win; though a five point margin was needed should Killannin prevail in the other group game. They were boosted by Jack O’Neill’s return from Boston, former Clare footballer Dale Masterson at centre back, and Fintan Cooney’s first start.

Maigh Cuilinn also welcomed back Eoghan Kelly, Ger Davoren and Neil Mulcahy to their starting 15, but the west Galway team also knew containment would be the initial requirement.

That being said, last year’s runners-up opened through Fiachra McDonagh’s fist on three minutes. But St. James’ finally got underway in the sixth minute when Cooney supplied Sam O’Neill for an orange flag to overturn the deficit.

Pictured: Ryan O’Toole of St James’ has the fabric of his jersey tested by Ryan O’Toole of Moycullen during Sunday’s Senior Football group tussle at Pearse Stadium. Photo: Joe O’Shaughnessy.