Slick St Thomas’ carry too much class in robust affair

Killimordaly 2-16

ST Thomas’ are still standing in their quest for a landmark hat-trick of Galway senior hurling titles thanks chiefly to their ability to keep coming up with scores when they needed them against gallant Killimordaly at Duggan Park on Saturday.

The champions were typically slick and cohesive – traits when had Killimordaly under severe pressure at times – but they also endured some valley periods against opponents who admirably soldiered to the finish, even if they were slightly flattered to be only beaten by four points.

After their ransacking of Portumna in their previous outing when running up an awesome tally of 4-38, St Thomas’ knew this quarter-final wouldn’t be another walk in the park, especially as Killimordaly had send them packing from the 2017 championship.

The title holders were clearly primed for a robust challenge in a match where referee Paul Fahy applied the rulebook too liberally at times Some blatant fouls on both sides went unchecked and it was no surprise tempers became frayed in the dying embers of the first-half. We are all for letting the games flow, but within some restrictions.

St Thomas’ have developed into a well-oiled machine – some of their innate link-up play was a joy to watch – and there was always the threat of them over-running Killimordaly, but a total of 10 wides, together with the never-say-die spirit of Gary Earls’ charges, ensured that scenario didn’t unfold.

Yes, St Thomas’ had gone 10 points in front (1-21 to 0-14) by the 53rd minute but Killimordaly kept rallying and a couple of well-finished goals from unlikely sources – midfielder David Concannon and centre back Jack Fitzpatrick – resulted in the title holders being kept honest to the end.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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