Walsh inspires Killannin to unlikely comeback victory

St. James’ 0-17

KILLANANIN provided the thrilling aspects of football’s new scoring format last Saturday as they came from nine points down in this senior championship opener to edge in front for the first time with their final attack.

In a repeat of last year’s preliminary quarter-final which the west Galway side won by four points, St. James’ were on course for revenge when they led 0-14 to 0-6 at half-time. And they stretched that cushion shortly afterwards before going scoreless for the final 27 minutes.

Both halves saw five two-pointers each, all into the same end with Killannin’s Dara Walsh kicking five himself in this team’s second half revival.

An eagerly awaited contest got off to the perfect start for the Jimmies as were two up after just 12 seconds. Paul Conroy took possession before sending a diagonal ball down towards Jack Nolan who registered from outside the 40 metre arc.

Killannin were finding space on the left and got back on terms. Walsh supplied Ryan Roche for their first fisted effort; Cormac Kinnevey did the honours for Cian Marks to also punch between the posts making it 0-2 apiece.

But while Gay O’Brien’s charges were fisting white flags, the Darragh Leonard and  Eoin Concannon led St. James’ were finding orange with their boots. Jonah Culligan was the supplier for their next effort and Nolan put two between them on four minutes.

Even though the scoring difference was widening, Killannin were probing as Jack O’Toole nearly found a way inside only for Eoin Finnerty to intercept. At the other end on 11 minutes, Dave O’Connell passed from the right and Ryan O’Toole added a two-pointer for St. James’.

St. James’ defence were playing their part as Cathal O’Regan cut out another Killannin attack when Brian Mitchell got through. At the other end, Conroy finished off a Culligan assist for another bonus score and they were 0-8 to 0-2 clear.

The maroon and green’s first white flag came before the quarter hour when Nolan found Culligan. Killannin finally ended their drought as Walsh set up Kinnevey for another fisted point. Mitchell was foiled again by O’Regan just beforehand.

Pictured: Killannin goalkeeper James Walsh has the ball under control against Dessie Hynes of St James' during Saturday's Senior Football Championship clash at Pearse Stadium. Photo: Joe O'Shaughnessy.