Live TV coverage confirmed for Salthill Knocknacarra's Connacht semi-final

Salthill Knocknacarra were made work all the way for their 3-16 to 2-15 over Ballinamore Sean O’Heslins in the Connacht Senior Football quarter-final on Sunday afternoon in Carrick On-Shannon.

The Galway champions were strong favourites to book their place in the Connacht semi-final, but Ballinamore Sean O’Heslin’s made them work hard for their victory. Salthill Knocknacarra managed to maintain their advantage for much of the contest, although the Leitrim champions threatened to pull off a major upset.

It was Salthill Knocknacarra’s first outing since their county final triumph over Maigh Cuilinn two weeks earlier. Tomo Culhane was the hero on that occasion, scoring a late goal to secure the Galway SFC title for the first time since 2012.

Cillian O’Toole and Tomo Culhane were drafted into the starting XV, while Daniel O’Flaherty was only fit enough to make an appearance from the bench. Credit must go to Ballinamore Sean O’Heslin’s, who threw everything at their opponents and remained in contention deep into the second half. Culhane and Robert Finnerty stood out in attack scoring 2-6 between them while wing-back Cathal Sweeney contributed four points for the winners.

St Brigid’s cruised to a compromprehensive 2-24 to 0-9 victory over St Mary’s of Sligo in the Connacht SFC quarter-final on Saturday afternoon. Ben O’Caroll and Bobby Nugent combined for an impressive 2-11 between them as the Roscommon champions booked their place into the last four of the Connacht Championship.

Former Mayo senior football selector Damien Mulligan is into his first year in charge of the Kiltoom based club having replaced Anthony Cunningham as manager of the club. St Brigid’s have competed in two of the last three All-Ireland finals where they have suffered defeats to Glen in 2024 and to Dingle in 2026.

The sides last met in the 2012 Connacht Senior Football Championship semi-final where St Brigid’s defeated Salthill Knocknacarra 0-15 to 0-8 at Pearse Stadium. Brian Conlon is the only survivor remaining on the Salthill Knocknacarra team, while manager Finian Hanley and his selectors Gary Cox, John Boylan and Sean Armstrong were also part of the team.