Sloppy Corofin stay on target for magnificent seven-in-a-row

Salthill/Knocknacarra  2-9

THIS was by no means a clean and clinical display by Corofin. Ten points up and coasting to victory early in the second half, the champions became sloppy in the execution of the basics in the final quarter and were duly outscored 2-2 to three points by a game Salthill/Knocknacarra.

No one in attendance at Saturday’s SFC semi-final at Tuam Stadium expected that Salthill/Knocknacarra’s late scoring spree would overturn Corofin in the closing stages, but it did raise questions regarding where the champions are currently at.

Just as with their quarter-final showing against Mountbellew/Moylough — in which Corofin were outscored by 1-6 to five points in the concluding quarter — Kevin O’Brien’s men lost their way again, and were duly outgunned coming down the home stretch of a knockout game.

Given Corofin, who fielded without experienced trio Kieran Fitzgerald, Michéal Lundy and Daithí Burke, have been involved in the last four All-Ireland campaigns, it begged the question if the long seasons had caught up with them — and, most importantly, if the hunger and desire to succeed were still there.

Yes, Corofin were controlled, patient, and measured in the manner of which they took ownership of the game in the opening period, but to once again be reeled in from a commanding position late on will wrangle with management and players. Corofin have been successful because they are authority in fine margins. In recent games, they will be the first to concede they have been careless late on.

And yet, such have been the high standards Corofin have set — and continue to set —t hat this performance was still a cut above what Salthill/Knocknacarra had to offer. After 15 minutes, the victors led five points to one; by half-time, they had extended their lead to nine points, 1-9 to 0-4. In essence, ‘Game Over’.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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