Annaghdown edge past Claregalway in thrilling Galway SFC quarter-final

Goalkeeper James Healy, Michael Naughton, Diarmuid Kilcommins, Damien Comer and Stephen Curley all produced impressive performances for the winners. For Claregalway, Eamonn McGrath, Jack Lonergan, Conor Flaherty and Jack Mullen were some of their standout performers.

Damien Comer won the throw-in and played the ball out to Diarmuid Kilcommins, who landed a two-pointer. However, Galway footballers Conor Flaherty and Jack Glynn combined to level matters on six minutes. John McDonnell then sent a long ball inside to Comer, who held off Campbell before slotting the ball past Claregalway goalkeeper Eamonn McGrath.

On 13 minutes, Claregalway were awarded a penalty after Darragh Hegarty fouled Ryan Flaherty. Conor Flaherty made no mistake from the spot to bring the sides level. Flaherty and Brion Connolly extended Claregalway's advantage before Comer and Daniel Fitzmaurice exchanged scores, leaving the Balchies 1-5 to 1-3 ahead after 17 minutes.

Stephen Curley, Comer and John McDonnell kept the Corribsiders within touching distance, but scores from Flaherty and Fitzmaurice saw Claregalway lead 1-7 to 1-6 after 29 minutes. Jack Longeran then landed a two-pointer to move the Balchies three points clear. However, a two-point free from James Healy, along with efforts from Curley and Diarmuid Kilcommins, sent Annaghdown into the break leading 1-10 to 1-9. With the aid of a strong breeze in the opening half, it remained to be seen whether their advantage would be enough.

Two further points from Kilcommins pushed the men in maroon and white 1-12 to 1-9 ahead. Austin Sammon and Alan Daly introduced Jack Mullen from the bench, and he made an immediate impact, scoring 1-1 with his first two touches of the ball. Curley levelled matters once again on 40 minutes.

Annaghdown goalkeeper James Healy sent over a two-point free, but Flaherty responded with a two-point free of his own to leave the contest finely poised at the end of the third quarter, with the sides level at 2-12 to 1-15.

Claregalway appeared to take control as Flaherty added a single score before landing another two-point free, while Eamonn McGrath converted a 45 to put them 2-16 to 1-16 ahead with five minutes remaining.

However, Norman O'Brien's charges once again showed tremendous character. Curley reduced the deficit to two points before Comer landed a terrific two-pointer with the outside of his boot. Substitute Conor Quinn then picked out Eoin Reddington, who fisted the ball over the bar to put Annaghdown in the driving seat. Claregalway had one final chance to force extra time, but Sean Moran's effort drifted wide.

Annaghdown went down the other end of the pitch, kept possession and saw out the remaining seconds before referee Shane Curley blew the full-time whistle, sealing a hard-fought victory by the narrowest of margins.

ANNAGHDOWN: James Healy (0-4, 2tpf); Johnny Creaven, Olan Kelly, Rian Duggan; Michael Naughton, Darragh Hegarty, Darragh Meehan; John McDonnell (0-1), Diarmuid Kilcommins (0-5); Ethan Forde, Enda Mullarkey, Cathal Heavey; Eoin Newell, Damien Comer (1-4, tp, 0-2f), Stephen Curley (0-5, 0-2f). SUBS: Daithi Kilcommins for Kelly (16, injury), Eoin Reddington (0-1) for Forde (38), Conor Quinn for Newell (45), Rory Gleeson for Mullarkey (52).

CLAREGALWAY: Eamonn McGrath (0-1, 0-1 45), Dara Whelan, Conor Campbell, Daniel Hughes; Luc O’Connor, Jack Glynn (0-1), Ryan Flaherty; Dave Tarmey, Brion Connolly (0-1); Jason Reilly, Gerard O’Riordan, Owen Morgan; Jack Longeran (0-2, tp), Conor Flaherty (1-8, 1-0 pen, 2tpf, 0-1f), Daniel Fitzmaurice (0-2). SUBS: Cillian Callaghan for O’Connor (23), Jack Mullen (1-1) for Ryan Flaherty (34, injury), Sean Moran for O’Riordan (42-44 temporary), Mark King for Reilly (59), Moran for Conor Flaherty (60).

REFEREE: Shane Curley.