Businesslike Breathnachs
Micheal Breathnach 3-14
Carna-Caiseal 1-6
AN unfortunate collection of injuries ensured a spirited Carna-Caiseal just couldn't do enough to seriously threaten Micheal Breathnachs at Pearse Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
There was plenty to admire about the rugged and resourceful way Carna-Caiseal competed, but they lacked the overall craft and legs of the vibrant victors. Kevin Walsh's team possesses sufficient talent to cause a surprise or two over the coming months and they took care of business in a diligent manner.
With Fiontán O Curraoin supplying the midfield expertise, Breathnach's eventually wore Carna-Caiseal down. Early in the second half, it was apparent all that needed to be determined would be the winning margin as Carna-Caiseal simply hadn't the depth to cope.
Initially, Carna-Caiseal's efficiency and application kept Breathnach's honest especially in the first quarter when the match commenced in a welter of excitement. That is when Carna-Caiseal were at their best as they made every meaningful foray into Breathnach territory count.
The main problem, though, was that Breathnach's had already assumed control at centrefield where O Curraoin was the dominant force. It meant that a decent Breathnach's forward line were being provided with plenty of possession and while their shot selection was poor initially, Carna-Caiseal couldn't stop runners peeling through repeatedly.
Not alone were Breathnach's able to pour forward in numbers it also enabled them to get their strike forwards Peadar O Gríofa and Peadar O Cionnaith ball in the scoring zone. Seosamh O Conaire is a vital cog for Breathnachs moving between the lines, while Sean Denvir's role is similarly critical .
With their casualty list, Carna-Caiseal couldn't hang on to Breathnach's coat tails when the warm favourites quickened the pace midway through the first half. That was chiefly when the damage was done as Breathnach's struck 2-4 on the spin and there was no way back for Carna-Caiseal which was a pity as the early evidence had been favourable.
Marc MacFlannchadha expertly punished a Micheal Breathnach defensive lapse to roll a second minute Carna-Caiseal goal. Seán O Cualain's side were plucky and purposeful thundering into the physical exchanges and they were wonderfully economic as their 1-5 first half total came from only seven opportunities.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.