Tuam Stars edge past Maigh Cuilinn in Division One league semi-final
TUAM STARS booked their place into the Division One League final with a 0-19 to 1-13 win over Maigh Cuilinn on Thursday evening in Baile Dóite.The winners took control of the contest this early on and looked to be in strong position leading 0-12 to 0-3 at the break. However, Maigh Cuilinn fought back in the second half but in the end Tuam Stars hung on for a three point win.
Former Armagh footballer Jack Grugan was in impressive scoring form for last year’s county semi-finalists, finishing with 0-7, while Ronan Colleran and Cian Mitchell also stood out, contributing 0-2 each. Maigh Cuilinn midfielder Paul Kelly was influential in his side’s comeback, with the former Galway footballer on target with 0-7.
Gary O’Donnell and Dara O’Rourke were both absent from the Tuam Stars starting XV. Meanwhile, Maigh Cuilinn were without a number of regulars, including Michael Moughan, Ger Daveron, Fiachra McDonagh, Peter Cooke and Dessie Conneely.
Tuam Stars made a blistering start, racing into a 0-6 to 0-2 lead after just eight minutes. Two-point efforts from Coner Doherty and Jack Grugan helped the visitors gain an early grip on proceedings, while Maigh Cuilinn raised white flags through Niall Walsh and John Hynes as the Stars began to assert their dominance.
Grugan extended the advantage with a two-point free after the ball was moved forward following dissent from Maigh Cuilinn players. Further scores from Ronan Colleran, Jamie Murphy and Brian Mannion saw the North Galway side open up a nine-point cushion by half-time. Maigh Cuilinn managed just a single point from Paul Kelly during the remaining 22 minutes of the half and were left to rue a series of missed opportunities, having registered eight wides before the break.
The hosts, managed by Cathal Clancy, came roaring back after the restart. Kelly narrowed the deficit before corner-forward Cillian Gallagher fired his shot past Tuam Stars goalkeeper Darragh Creaven for a crucial goal. Kelly and McLaughlin combined to drive Maigh Cuilinn forward and, by the 36th minute, the sides were level at 0-12 to 1-9.
Mannion and Grugan steadied the ship for Dave Donnellan’s men, but Maigh Cuilinn remained firmly in contention as points from Mark Bradley and David Wynne left the teams deadlocked entering the closing stages.
Tuam Stars responded decisively. Cian Mitchell, Doherty and Mannion stretched their lead to 0-17 to 1-11 by the 53rd minute. Kelly replied with a free to keep the county champions within striking distance, but the North Galway outfit finished strongly. Grugan added two more points in the closing minutes, while Maigh Cuilinn could only muster a late reply from Gallagher, as Tuam Stars sealed their place in the league final, where they will face either Corofin or Claregalway, who meet on Saturday evening.
TUAM STARS: Darragh Creaven: Sean Rattigan, Rory O’Connor, Darragh Cunningham; Conor Doherty (0-4, tp), Noel Henry, Cian Mitchell (0-2); Ronan Colleran (0-2), Conor Heneghan; Mark Colleran, Jamie Murphy (0-1), Luke Higgins; Brian Mannion (0-3), Jack Grugan (0-7, tpf) , Conor Bodkin.
SUBS: Luke Davin for Higgins (40), Jack Heneghan for Henry (40).
MAIGH CUILINN: Kevin O’Donovan; Evan Fox, Eoghan Kelly, Mark Bradley (0-1); Thomas Peyton, Conor Corcoran, Aidan Claffey; David Wynne (0-1), Paul Kelly (0-7, tp, tpf, 0-1f); James McLaughlin (0-1), Niall Walsh (0-1), John Hynes (0-1); Cillian Gallagher (1-1), Johnny Moloney, Daniel Cormican.
SUBS: Conor Faherty for Hynes (56), Jack Nolan for Wynne (60, injury).
REFEREE: Thomas Murphy (Annaghdown).