Barna back from the brink

Barna 0-9Caltra 0-8

Noel Carney

An amazing second half comeback by a plucky Barna outfit saw them overturn a six-point half-time deficit as they stormed to a thrilling win over a shell-shocked Caltra side that failed to score after the interval in this opening round of the Claregalway Hotel Senior Football Championship at Tuam Stadium on Sunday.

The losers now go into the draw for teams beaten last weekend and will be keen to banish memories of this defeat. Anything other than a Caltra victory seemed unthinkable when the former All-Ireland champions raced into a 0-8 to 0-2 lead at the half way stage against a Barna outfit that had failed to spark except in rare flashes.

Admittedly, the strong breeze had assisted the leaders during that opening period, but they seemed to be well capable of holding on. Caltra were coping admirably without the inspirational Michael Meehan – his brother Enda, John Galvin, Doyle Hanlon and Ollie Deely were also absent-as young Michael Kelly took up the place-kicking duties with aplomb. He had 0-4 on the board, three of them from frees, after twenty minutes.

They were totally unprepared though for the strength and intensity of Barna’s determination to make amends for their poor start once play resumed after the break. Pat Fallon’s men played with wonderful spirit and determination which bodes well for their championship prospects although they will be meeting stronger opposition that Caltra offered in the second half.

This was a confusing Barna selection both for neutral supporters and for the media as the team showed no less than fifteen changes to the team listed on the programme and even some of the subs had wrong numbers. It reflected poorly on all those concerned and would not win them much goodwill which is unfortunate after they won many admirers following their recent fine win in Comortas Peile na Gaeltachta. Sincere thanks to the Barna supporter who volunteered to identify the players for the press.

For more, read this week's Connacht Sentinel.