Maigh Cuilinn do enough in overcoming Oughterard

Oughterard 2-12

By Eanna O’Reilly at Pearse Stadium

MAIGH Cuilinn advanced to the semi-finals of the senior football championship after a seven-point victory over neighbours Oughterard in Saturday’s quarter-final clash at Pearse Stadium. In what was an entertaining encounter, the final score was slightly harsh on an Oughterard side which provided a strong challenge to the winners on the day.

Despite playing against a stiff wind in the opening half, Maigh Cuilinn made a strong start and had 1-1 on the board after three minutes. Johnny Maloney fisted over an early point, before Niall Walsh delivered a good ball into Fiachra McDonagh, who finished impressively to the net.

Oughterard stayed composed and soon got the scoreboard ticking at the other end. Cian Monaghan kicked a point from 40 yards, before Diarmuid Lee’s charges had a goal of their own. Niall Lee’s effort for a point came down off the upright, before the rebound was picked up by James Webb, who blasted to the roof of the net.

A point from Paddy Walsh gave Oughterard the lead shortly after. Maigh Cuilinn soon equalised, with a well worked score from Paul Kelly, after a good move involving David Wynne, Ger Davoren and Dessie Conneely.

The next ten minutes saw Maigh Cuilinn raise their game significantly, scoring 1-5 without reply. Fiachra McDonagh landed an excellent point under pressure, before he set up Niall Walsh for another shortly after.

A free from Dessie Conneely then made it 1-5 to 1-2. Two minutes later, Fionn McDonagh made a strong run towards goal before being fouled in the square, and referee Martin Flaherty awarded a penalty.

Niall Walsh made no mistake with the spot kick, firing past Ciaran Noone for Maigh Cuilinn’s second goal. Three minutes later, Conneely landed a two pointer from a free to make it 2-7 to 1-2, and Oughterard looked to be in major trouble.

Matthew Tierney sent over a much needed score, a booming two pointer, but Maigh Cuilinn responded at the other end with scores from Fionn McDonagh and Maloney. Oughterard needed a break, and they got one shortly before half-time.

When Ryan Monaghan was fouled twenty five yards out, some sharp thinking saw him take a quick free before passing to Eddie O’Sullivan, who played the ball across the square to the inrushing Tierney to finish to the net.

Pictured: Oughterard's Eric Lee on the charge against Aidan Claffey of Maigh Cuilinn during Saturday's Senior Football quarter-final at Pearse Stadium. Photo: Joe O'Shaughnessy.