Salthill/Knocknacarra come out on top in hard-fought tie

Michéal Breathnach’s 0-14

Eanna O’Reilly at Pearse Stadium

Salthill/Knocknacara were crowned county Junior 1 hurling champions in Pearse Stadium on Sunday with a well-deserved victory over Míchéal Breathnach’s.

It was a highly impressive performance from Diarmaid O hAodha’s side, who produced the sharper hurling throughout the contest. Breathnach’s brought plenty of endeavour to the final, but ultimately, they were over reliant on Maidhc Ó Conghaile for scores.

The city side, by contrast, had a much broader contribution from their players, as reflected on the scoreboard. They were never behind in this final, and always did enough to stay three or four points ahead of their opponents. The Seasiders also defended better and Breathnach’s only created one clear-cut goal chance during the game, which fell to Ó Conghaile in the second-half.

Overall, it was a thoroughly deserved win for Salthill/Knocknacarra, who now go on to represent Galway in the All-Ireland Junior club championship this Winter.

The city side started brighter and got two early points on the board, through Seánie Joyce and Michael O’Donnell. They soon received a major boost when Brian Griffin managed to get a touch on a dropping ball in the square to flick home a goal.

Breathnach’s opened their account shortly after, with Breandán Ó Conghaile pointing from the right wing. However, the Connemara men were guilty of some poor shooting in the opening quarter and failed to use the wind to their advantage. Donal O’Shea and Maidhc Ó Conghaile traded frees to leave the score at 1-3 to 0-2 at the water break.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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