Barrett nails late winner as Daly’s side squeeze home

St James’ 0-11

Gerard Mulreaney at Pearse Stadium

A last-gasp winner from Matthew Barrett saw Mountbellew-Moylough beat St James’ by a single point to move into the semi-finals of the Galway Senior Football Championships, following a thrilling battle at Pearse Stadium on Sunday.

A second-half goal from Colm Mannion was crucial in Mountbellew-Moylough’s victory, as it saw the them come from a point down to go two points up at a critical period of the game.

Mountbellew-Moylough, five-time finalists since 2015, will be hoping to win back the title they last won in 2021. They have been a little inconsistent this season, beating both Claregalway and St Michael’s, drawing with Dunmore MacHales, and losing to Tuam Stars in their route to the quarter-finals.

The game was played in wonderful calm conditions, an unusual occurrence at this time of year. The pitch was in fantastic condition, and with no wind about, there would be no excuses for either side.

Ahead of the game Patrick Kelly was named to the Mountbellew-Moylough starting fifteen following a long spell on the sidelines. St James’, who’s only defeat in the championship came at the hands of the reigning champions Moycullen, opened the scoring with a free from Jack Nolan in the second minute, before Eoin Finnerty levelled the scores with a well taken mark a couple of minutes later.

The city side, who also lined up without Eoin Concannon, were delt a huge blow after six minutes when star midfielder Sam O’Neill was stretchered off after he sustained a knee injury. He was replaced by Stephen McCooey, who moved into the half-forward line, while Liam Melody dropped back into midfield alongside Paul Conroy.

Pictured: Mountbellew-Moylough's Colin Murray is about to get his pass away against Dan McNulty of St James' during Saturday's Senior Football Quarter-Final at Pearse Stadium. Photo: Joe O'Shaughnessy.