It's a Clare day as Galway struggle in wintry conditions

Clare 0-18Galway 1-13

CIARAN TIERNEY AT CUSACK PARK

A series of missed goal chances, which might have seen Galway take some reward from this local derby, could not disguise the fact that the Tribesmen were beaten by the better side in the Allianz NHL clash at Ennis on Sunday.

The Clare men, reeling from an opening day defeat to Waterford, were clearly up for this one and Davy Fitzgerald’s side showed true character and grit when playing into the wintry elements in the second half.

Ultimately, the home side seemed to have a greater appetite for a battle in the bitter cold and drizzle, whereas only two of Galway’s starting forwards made an impression on the scoreboard.

While Mullagh’s Davy Glennon was a bundle of energy and enthusiasm, and Joe Canning showed his characteristic brilliance from placed balls, the team management will hardly take too much optimism from this sector on the day.

Canning hit 1-9, including a superbly struck goal from a 47th minute free which should have inspired a fight-back, but only really highlighted how much Galway were struggling to stay in touch with the determined home side.

Ultimately, the damage was done in a key period just after the break. Two Canning frees late in the first half had reduced the deficit to what seemed a very manageable four points, and Galway had the advantage of the strong breeze and drizzle at their backs when they returned to the field.

But Clare full-forward John Conlan was inspirational, moving further out the field to hit three superb points in a key five minute period which gave the home followers belief that the Banner could hold out for a coveted victory.

Clare outscored the Tribesmen by 0-4 to 0-1 in the first seven minutes of the second half, extending their lead to seven points by the 42nd minute. After that, Galway always seemed to be chasing the game – even if Canning’s brilliant free to the roof of the net, following a foul on Glennon, gave the visiting supporters plenty of hope.

Clare had also enjoyed a better start to the first half, leading by 0-4 to 0-1 after seven minutes, thanks to scores from the accurate Colin Ryan (two frees), Shane O’Donnell, and corner forward Padraic Collins, following a strong run. Canning opened Galway’s account following a foul at the other end on Damien Hayes.

Jonathan Glynn, playing at full-forward, missed a clear goal chance after being set up by the impressive Glennon, before Canning added his second after another foul on club-mate Hayes.

For more, read this week's Connacht Tribune.