Menlough too strong for Tuam in earning promotion

Tuam Stars 0-7

By Eanna O’Reilly at Pearse Stadium

MENLOUGH secured a well deserved win over Tuam Stars in the Junior football promotion play-off at Pearse Stadium on Sunday. A strong first half performance led the foundations for victory, and after taking a 0-6 to 0-2 lead into half-time, Menlough pushed on in the second half to outscore their opponents by 0-6 to 0-5, despite playing against the wind.

Conditions were difficult during this game, with heavy rainfall in the opening half and a soft pitch surface making it challenging for the players. A tricky wind was also present in Salthill and players on both sides struggled with their shooting as a result.

A cagey first ten minutes saw the sides trade one point apiece. Donal Loftus opened the scoring for Menlough, after a good move which involved Colm O’Brien and Niall Carty in the build-up.

Tuam’s Conor Doherty had their first point at the other end, after a good pass from Calan Tynan. Both teams had goal chances during the first ten minutes, with Doherty shooting narrowly wide for Tuam and Menlough’s Hugh Keeley having a shot well saved by Darragh Creaven.

The winners edged ahead when Liam Gormally kicked an impressive point from 35 yards. A minute later Tuam Stars equalised with a good score from Cian Farragher, after a great pass from Conor Doherty.

Menlough soon edged back in front when Robert Hughes pointed his first free, after a foul on O’Brien. Hughes converted two more frees late in the first half, before Kieran Dowd fired over an excellent score, after Menlough intercepted a short Tuam kick out.

It left a four point margin between the sides at the interval, and Menlough extended their lead early in the second half when Hughes scored a quality point over his shoulder.

Pictured: Menlough's Colm O'Brien comes under pressure from Brendan Mashengale of Tuam Stars during Sunday's Junior Football Promotion Play-Off at Pearse Stadium. Photo: Joe O'Shaughnessy.