Tuam Stars set sights on promotion to Intermediate football after big win over Annaghdown
TUAM STARS claimed their second Primary Junior title in three final appearances over the past four years, earning another opportunity to secure promotion to the Intermediate ranks next season. A dominant second-half display saw them pull clear of Annaghdown on their way to a comprehensive 2-16 to 1-7 victory at Pearse Stadium on Monday.
Tuam joint-manager Gavan Connell said preparations had been difficult, having taken over days before the championship, but the club’s ambition remained unchanged.
“We struggled in the league because we didn't have the team we have there now. We took over maybe five or six days before the championship. We've always had a very good junior team, we've been knocking on the door for the last few years, and we’re really trying to bring the club up to Intermediate,” he said.
In July, Annaghdown were Division 4A runners-up to Intermediate semi-finalists Menlough, a topsy-turvy game which was level with ten minutes to go. Just six starters from that game remained in Annaghdown’s line-up which also included U-19 B North Board winners John Farragher, Kyle Concannon and Jude Trench Kearney. Tuam also fielded a young team, with Noel Henry, Cian McNamara and Seamus Kelly adding valuable experience.
Tuam joint-manager Sean Murphy credited the close links between the club’s junior and senior panels.
“We made an effort at the start of the year to link the U-19s, juniors, and seniors together this year and the seniors have been testament to the win today. We needed training games, they helped us out in that and ensured we had enough numbers.
“It was a real community spirit and link between the junior and senior teams to help us get over the line.”
There were only three points between the sides at the interval, the teams having previously drawn in their September meeting. Annaghdown advanced as group toppers while Tuam played an extra game en route to the final and also remained unbeaten. The Stars overcame Oranmore-Maree in their semi-final by two points, whereas Annaghdown dramatically won a penalty shootout 7-6 against Salthill-Knocknacarra to reach the decider.
Tuam began confidently and led 0-6 to 0-1 after 15 minutes. Cillian Reidy and Ross Mitchell both pointed, while Cian McNamara and Rory Igoe (free) landed two-pointers. Kearney ended Annaghdown’s first attack with a fisted score.
Jonathan Creaven’s side struggled for fluency initially but eventually improved as Cian Heavey pointed before goalkeeper John Farragher’s free from outside the arc left Annaghdown trailing by two after 19 minutes.
A Justin Flaherty point and Shaun Fahy goal did not stand as the play was called back in both instances. Mitchell pointed again to ensure Tuam maintained a 0-7 to 0-4 half-time advantage.
Dara Melia quickly earned a free, which he converted as Annaghdown restarted with intent. That was as good as the going got for them however, as Tuam struck 2-7 unanswered decisively.
Man of the match Cian McNamara began the scoring spell with another two-pointer, before Luke Higgins and Rory Igoe struck goals in the 43rd and 49th minutes. Derek Reynolds, substitute Adam Hynes, Cillian Reidy (free) and Jack Cleary completed the scoring spell.
A Melia two-pointer (free) and late Cathal Coen goal were consolation scores for Annaghdown, who ultimately faded out of the contest in the third quarter, despite signs of promise in the first half.
Tuam’s young side will face Corofin’s experience next, with a place in Intermediate ranks at stake, a challenge joint-manager Gavan Connell knows they must overcome.
“We lost to Headford here in 2013 when if you won the junior you went up – we lost by two points. We lost to Menlough three years ago in the play-off game. It’s great to win junior but we're still not over the final hurdle. It's about beating Corofin’s Intermediate team next week.”
Tuam Stars: J Hynes; N Smith, S Kelly, D Mannion; C Halligan, M O’Connell, C Reidy (0-3, 0-1 free); C McNamara (0-4, 2 2pt), D Reynolds (0-1); J Cleary (0-1), N Henry, S McWalter; R Igoe (1-2, 1 2ptf), R Mitchell (0-2), L Higgins (1-0). Subs: A Hynes (0-3) for McWalter (27); A Keating for Kelly (54); M Collins for Cleary (54); C Quinn for Mitchell (56); J Donnellan for Higgins (58).
Annaghdown: John Farragher (0-2, 1 2ptf); C Lynn, C Heraghty, D Scully; K Concannon, C O’Toole, E Curry; J Flaherty, C Duggan; S Fahy, A Burke, J Trench Kearney (0-1); C Heavey (0-1), R Burke, D Melia (0-3, 1 2ptf, 0-1 free). Subs: I Burke for Duggan (temp, 16-17) & for Flaherty (temp 41-43) & for Heavey (44); Johnny Farragher for Scully (49); J Duggan for R Burke (49); O Sheridan for Curry (51); C Coen (1-0) for S Fahy (54)).
Referee: Noel Dempsey.