Last Chance Saloon for some on Sunday?

By Rory O'Donnell

Darren Wallace and the Blues meet McAnespies Sunday.

The senior football championship enters the second last round of the league stage on Sunday afternoon at the Irish Cultural Center in Canton.  At 2:30 Donegal, who have not yet dropped any points, meet Christopher’s, who have yet to pick up a point.  Donegal have been motoring along nicely without doing anything spectacular.  With a very strong lineup, especially around the middle of the field, along with the addition if scoring power to the forward line, it is hard to see Donegal not adding another 2 points to their tally, guaranteeing themselves a bye into the semi-finals.  With the exception of their last outing, Christopher’s have been very much in every game this year.  A win could keep them very much in the playoff hunt, and hoping that the Shannon Blues can defeat Aidan McAnespies in the game following.  Chsritopher’s still have something to play for, while being the first team to defeat Donegal this year looks like a long shot, the games are played for a reason.

In the second senior football championship game of the day the Blues and McAnespies face off.  Neither side has really functioned on all cylinders yet.  Last week the Blues looked like they had found their groove, but ended up victim to a huge Galway comeback.  McAnespies too have juggled their lineup to try and find the optimal mix, but have not found the winning formula yet.  There are plenty of quality players, players who can score, carry the ball, and defend.  One win is all there is to show so far for the Macs, however, a point would guarantee them a playoff place.  This could be the game that brings out the best in each side, given the history between the clubs.  Expect a keen contest on Sunday.

Tipperary Hurlers looking to add another win on Sunday.

Junior Hurling sees Brighton teams Galway and Wexford meet in the first game of the day Sunday.  Each side are looking for a first win of the season.  Last time out for each side a good account was given, and neither will want to be the ones left without a win at the end of the day.  The final game of the day also features the junior hurlers, this time Tipperary and Fr. Tom’s.  Tipp juniors have laid waste to all before them so far this season, while Tom’s are a team on course for the semi-finals of this competition.  Tipp will be heavy favourites to add another win, while Tom’s will be hoping to sneak a win against their unbeaten opponents. 

Saturday sees Cork who are two for two in the junior A football competition meet Donegal.  Cork look to be making a push this year for junior honors, however, with reigning champions Donegal in opposition the rebels face a tough test. 

Action away from the ICC sees the Hartford junior footballers host Galway.  Galway have been flying it in the junior B competition, and Hartford have proven to be tough opponents.  It will be a tough test for the central Connecticut men when they meet the westerners.  Portland HC will host the rising Providence hurling club in the junior C competition at the Wainwright Fields in South Portland.  In their second season Providence are learning fast and have two wins to their credit, while Portland are coming off their first victory of the season against Hartford.

Schedule July 15-16

Irish Cultural Center, Canton

Saturday July 15

Field A

5:30 Junior A Football:  Donegal v Cork

Sunday July 16

12:45 Junior A Hurling:  Galway v Wexford

2:00 Youth Games

2:30 Senior Football:  Donegal v Christopher’s

3:45 Senior Football:  Shannon Blues v Aidan McAnespies

5:00 Junior A Hurling:  Tipperary v Fr. Tom Burke’s

Portland, ME

3:00 Junior C Hurling:  Portland v Providence

Sun July 9 - Senior Football: Galway v Shannon Blues

Shannon Blues 3-17 Galway 4-16

The final game of the day has to have been one of the most dramatic seen in Canton for manys a year.  The Shannon Blues started off with a blitzing of Galway and were ahead by a 2-7 to 1-0 score after 15 minutes.  Plenty of the crowd moved in the direction of the gate, Galway looked dead and buried already, it’s over.  Galway pulled off the win of the century however, having only started to play in the second quarter.  Helped by a somewhat fortunate goal in the first half, and a great opening to the second, the Tribesmen came through in the final minutes when the chips were down, outscoring their opponents 6 points to one.

Cormac Coffee and the Blues were rampant early on.

It was an extraordinary first half.  The Blues had 2 goals and 7 points on the scoreboard to a goal from Galway after 15 minutes.  A blowout was on the cards.  The Blues were lording it, and Galway seemed to have no answers.  The first goal came from Josh Ryan, a fisted effort from the edge of the small square.  With the Blues streaming forward in waves, points came from Darren Wallace, Ryan, Kieran Hurley, and Cormac Coffee who made a run all the way from corner back.  A sideline kick that never entered the field of play seemed to underline Galway’s woes and the mumbles in the stands changed to people leaving their seats.

The Tribesmen did not give up.  Cian McMonagle found his range and put a couple of points over the bar to settle the side.  A somewhat fortunate goal came from Alex Kenny who shot from distance, and the bounce, with help from the glare of the sun, beat Darragh O’Shea and roof of the net billowed.  Galway had life again.  But the Blues sought to extinguish that, and a third goal almost did just that.  Some great work by Darren Wallace and O’Seanachain resulted in the ball in Hurley’s hands and the Kerryman’s shot hit the back of the net.  It still seemed like it was just the Blues taking their foot off the gas temporarily. Galway still came back though, like that persistent nag that will not stop no matter how hard you try to ignore them. Kevin Cummins erased the Blues goal with a third strike for Galway and the teams were level in the goal column.  The teams traded points to end the half, with the Blues up by 3-10 to 3-5.

But Galway steadied the ship and came out winners.

Galway had leveled affairs within 5 minutes of the second half throw in following a blistering start.  Two points from Kenny were followed by a goal from Kevin Cummins as the Tribesmen were quick out of the blocks.  Roscommon’s Connacht championship win must have given the Michael Glavey’s man a lift.  Galway then proceeded to take the lead, a concept that was unthinkable at the same stage of the first half.  Alex Kenny pointed twice for the Tribe as the Blues tried to rally from the stunning comeback. 

As the changes were made with each side trying to freshen up the pace it was the Blues who gained an edge.  Points from Wallace, Coffee and Hurley had the Blues back ahead until a McMonagle free leveled it yet again.  A sweeping Blues move out of defence saw Hurley convert, that followed a great dead ball kick from Wayne Guthrie.  Crunch time approaching and the Blues with the edge.  Hurley made the lead three, and the omens favoured the Blues men.  McMonagle pulled one back for Galway but they would need more than that.  Edge of the seat stuff for the final few minutes, those who remained were on their feet.  It was Galway who came through in the end.  McMonagle converted two frees and one from play to level it, and then it was Cummins with a hard earned score following a scramble in the box as the Blues defenders desperately tried to cover and block.  McMonagle made it a two point lead, and a goal would now be required from the Blues.  With injury time seeming to never end for the Galway supporters, Hurley pointed a free, but the final score of the game came from substitute Brian Reape to to seal the win.  A huge boost to Galway’s championship credentials, and for the Blues it will require picking themselves up for the next encounter against Aidan McAnespies next week.

Galway:  James Kelly, David Murphy, Ruairi Greene, Kieran Molloy, Dylan McHugh, Stuart Cullen, Cian Darcy, Eoghan Kavanagh, Alan Egan, Alex Kenny, Ryan Forde, Kevin Cummins, Cian McMonagle.  Subs:  Brian Reape, David Kenny, Minitor.

Blues:  Darragh O’Shea, Fionn O’Herlihey, Cormac Coffey, Trevor Wallace, Barry Hartnett, Denis McElligott, Greg Horan, Wayne Guthrie, Lee O’Donoghue, Darren Wallace, Brian O’Seanachain, Kieran Hurley, Josh Ryan.  Subs:  Conor Kerins, Maurice Young, Brian Fanning, Luke Nicholson, James Maher.

By Rory O'Donnell

Sun July 9 - Senior Hurling: Galway v Fr. Tom Burke's

Galway 1-15 Fr. Tom Burke’s 0-14

Galway evened up the senior hurling championship at one game a piece with a great second half performance.  Having trailed at the break by four points, Galway soon had the scores level and finished well, scoring 1-7 while limiting Tom’s to 3 points over the final 15 minutes to claim the points.

Galway had a better grip on things on Sunday.

Tom’s held the initiative at the half way point of game, and had 2 points on the scoreboard from their half back line.  MJ Sutton boomed over a point from a free on his own ’45, and later in the half a raid forward from Shane Taylor resulted in a score for the wing back.  Free taker, Stiofan McMahon, was on the mark, with 3 points, one from play and 2 frees, while at corner forward, Jack Goulding was also very much involved - the Kerry hurler from Ballyduff chipped in with 2 points.

Galway relied on John Coleman’s free taking for their scores.  Paudie Flynn opened their account with a point from play early on, but the tribesmen struggled to assert themselves on the game and could not find any flow to their play.   Coleman pointed three from frees.  At the break it was a point Tom’s lead, 0-8 to 0-4.

Within 5 minutes of the restart the teams were level.  Manning the Galway half back line, Robbie Flynn intervened on a number of occasions to clear Tom’s searching balls forward, while center back Conor O’Neill featured much more prominently.  The scoring was spread across a number of players, Paudie Flynn, John Moylan, Conor Muphy and Coleman all hit the mark as Galway looked determined not to let the game get beyond them.  Galway played with more confidence and sprayed the ball around the field, finding a fellow maroon shirt. 

Stiofan McMahon drives forward for Tom's.

Tom’s restored their lead to 3 points following points from Joyce-Power, McMahon, and Robbie Byrne, but Galway were soon level again.  Coleman found himself through with the keeper to beat and the one-hopper shot from the Corkman found the back of the net.  Galway were not about to be undone.    

In the final 10 minutes, the Galway defenders were alert to everything played in and the forwards converted.  Substitute Conor Rockett put two over the bar for the Tribesmen.  Coleman tagged another two and tom’s hopes of taking a 2 game lead in the championship faded as it would take more than one score to turn the tables.  A good win for Galway and now down to the best of 3 for the senior hurling title.

Galway:  Gavin Power, William Hahissey, Colm Daly, Martin Doyle, Conor O’Neill, Robbie Flynn, Conor Murphy, Jamie Barron, Paudie Flynn, John Moylan, Cathal Bolger, John Coleman, Chris Egan.  Subs:  Conor Rockett.

Tom’s:  Liam Doyle, Donal Coughlin, Brian Flynn, Shane Taylor, MJ Sutton, Enda Heffernan, Paul Maher, Shane Ryan, Stiofan McMahon, Cormac Joyce-Power, Ronan Teehan, Jack Goulding, Aaron Moore.  Subs:  Dean Flood, Robert Byrne.

By Rory O'Donnell

Sun July 9 - Ladies Senior Football: Boston Shamrocks v Connacht Ladies

Boston Shamrocks 3-13 Connacht Ladies 2-8

Boston Shamrocks are now just one win away from retaining the Boston Northeast Ladies Senior Football Championship.  The reigning champions had to work harder for this win than last time out, and but for a fortunate goal early in the second half, it would have been a much closer affair.  Connacht will take solace from their much improved performance and have something to build on heading into the third game between the teams, a game they have to win to keep the championship alive.

Boston Shamrocks are one game away. 

The Shamrocks built an early lead and in the first 15 minutes had the edge in pretty much every area of the field.  The back line was first to every ball, while the forwards were quick and agile, and kept the pressure on the Connacht Ladies back line.  After Jane Ward had opened the account for Connacht Ladies with a point, it was all Shamrocks.  Four points came from Shelly Toohig, Sarah Jane McDonald, Ciara McGuigan, and Shannon Mullen as every forward was involved in Shamrocks forays forward.  The Shamrocks bombarded the Connacht goal, and there were plenty of chances that dropped short or went the outside of the posts before McDonald netted from an acute angle.  A lead of 1-4 to 0-1 could have been more.

A better performance from Connacht Ladies

After the Shamrocks tagged another three points following some good work in defence from Cathy McEleaney, Connacht Ladies enjoyed a spell on top and perhaps realized that they could compete with their opponents.  The defence worked hard to put a stop to the Shamrocks rampant forward line.  Hayley Kilgallen, Niamh Sheridan, Catherine Boyle and Aisling Egan stepped in on several occasions to cut out some Shamrocks attacks.  The good work was rewarded with a goal from Jane Ward after Shauna Garvin supplied the final pass.  Additional points from Kelly Harris, who looked a major threat, cut the gap between the teams to four points.  Just before the break Eaodain Connolly’s point made it a 1-8 to 1-3 score.

A goal 10 minutes into the second half knocked the wind out of the Connacht efforts.  The Shamrocks had added to lead to the tune of 2 points.  With the challengers having lifted their efforts to try and further cut the gap, a handful of misses was the end result for them.   The Shamrocks won a free about 35 yards from goal and the high, arcing ball, dropped into the back of the net.  This was followed by another 3 pointer from a penalty.  McDonald was pulled down in the box as she bore down on goal and the kick was effectively dispatched by McGuigan. 

In credit to the westerners, they responded with raising their efforts again.  This time it was a four point brace with Harris showing well at corner forward.  Connacht’s Aisling Kerr, Harris, and Ward pointed.  A goal – or two – would be needed to rattle the Shamrocks heading into the final 10 minutes, but Sinead Hession was steady on the line for the Shamrocks.  Some searching balls into the box were well dealt with by the keeper.  A late goal Harris for Connacht was deserved for their efforts, and put some gloss on the scoreboard, but will give encouragement to try and take a game in this series next time out.

Shamrocks:  Sinead Hession, Cathy McElaeney, Ciara McCormack, Louise Kiernan, Kayla Farrer, Nicole Byrne, Jade O’Donnell, Shannon Mullen, Shelly Toohig, Laura Kiernan, Eoadain Connolly, Ellie Kennedy, Sarah Jane McDonald, Ciara McGuigan, Rebecca Mongan.

Connacht:  Jackie McDonagh, Shannon Mullen, Honor Ennis, Hayley Kilgallen, Catherine Boyle, Niamh Sheridan, Niamh Hynes, Aisling Egan, Aideen Fuller, Shauna Garvin, Maria Kelly, Jane Ward, Kelly Harris, Ellie Lane, Siofra Cleary.

By Rory O'Donnell

Big Names, Big Games in Store for the Weekend.

Tom's and Galway do it over again on Sunday.

The senior hurlers of Galway and Fr. Tom’s meet again on Sunday afternoon at the ICC in a game that Galway will be hoping to win to even the series in the this best of 5.  Last time around the win was snatched out of the grasp of the Westerners thanks to an injury time goal.  The game was as close as they come, and if proves to be a marker of what is in store on Sunday, prepare for another nailbiter.  Having had one meeting under their belts, and established a degree of familiarity, the game might open up earlier.  Last time out the early exchanges were cagy.  Tom’s will be looking to the Waterford man, MJ Sutton, to lead the half back line and the scoring ability of Stiofan McMahon.  The man from Broadford, Co. Clare was on the mark from the free all day last time out.  For Galway the An Rinn, Co. Waterford native, Jamie Barron did well in the middle of the field, and the main scoring threat came from John Coleman.  A win for Tom’s puts them one game from winning the 2017 senior hurling title, Galway will want this one badly.

Brian Beslin has been a key player for McAnespies this season and is
joined by fellow Strabane native, Danny McBride for Sunday.

In senior football Aidan McAnespies will be pushing for the win against an unbeaten Donegal team.  It will not come easy.  Donegal have yet to lose a game and have brought Mayo’s Enda Varley into the mix, as well as another seasoned performer at the highest level in Ballymun Kickhams Ted Furman.  The Macs might be pulling straws to see who gets the Furman marking job.  Last time out Stephen McBrearty had to leave the field, and if he is back in action Sunday that will make Donegal all the stronger.  McAnespies will have to play their cards to perfection to get a result, and will need stellar performances from their key men.  There have been a couple of late additions to the McAnespies panel, Clonoe man Rhys Quinn and Strabane’s Danny McBride who has seen action with Tyrone.  There will be no shortage of commitment next Sunday for this one, could be worth the price of admission.

Blues Captain Darren Wallace will be hoping to lead his team
to a win over Galway.  

Galway and Shannon Blues meet in the final game of the day.  Galway have put together team that plays good football and is solid at the back.  Every man does his job and nobody tries to carry the team single handedly.  With a week’s rest and couple of players well able of taking their scores up front, as well as home based stalwart Kevin Cummins yet to break out of his shell this year, Galway might spring out of the blocks and start well.  The Blues ground out a result last week versus the Connemara Gaels, and the lineup looks formidable, yet they still have their best performance ahead of them you feel.  It was a newcomer, Josh Ryan, who made the impact both at the beginning of the game with an early goal and at the end with the match winning point in injury time. It will be an interesting game, and looks to prove to be an entertaining one.  I’d expect to see very little between the teams when the final whistle blows.

The Ladies footballers are also back in action on Sunday.  Connacht Ladies took a shelling at the hands of the Boston Shamrocks the last time the teams met, no doubt they will be looking for a better performance on Sunday.  The Shamrocks have plenty of firepower, especially with the likes of Sarah Jane McDonald and Tessa Crowley in their front six.  Connacht Ladies will need to tighten up their rearguard to try and keep in the game.  The westerners have plenty of talent in their lineup and a win might prove to be an unexpected outcome, but if it remains close coming into the last 15 minutes, anything can happen.

Saturday sees 2 junior A hurling games.  Tipperary and Offaly meet, Tipperary having walloped both Galway and Wexford in their first 2 games.  Offaly should prove to be a tougher test.  The earlier game sees Fr. Tom’s meet a struggling Wexford.  Wexford will hope to keep up an hour of good hurling, but will have their hands full against a good Tom’s side.  We also have the visit of Portland and Hartford to the ICC for a junior C championship encounter on Sunday with each team looking for their first win of the season. 

Boston GAA Schedule

Saturday July 8

Irish Cultural Center, Canton Ma.

Field A

3:00 Junior A Hurling:  Fr. Tom Burke’s v Wexford

4:15 Junior A Football:  Aidan McAnespies v Shannon Blues

5:30 Junior A Hurling:  Tipperary v Offaly

Field B

3:45 Junior B Football:  Donegal v Connemara Gaels

Sunday July 9

Field A

11:30 Junior A Football:  Connemara Gaels v Donegal

12:45 Ladies Senior Football:  Connacht Ladies v Boston Shamrocks

2:00 Youth Games

2:30 Men’s Senior Football:  Aidan McAnespies v Donegal

3:45 Senior Hurling:  Fr. Tom Burke’s v Galway

5:00 Men’s Senior Football:  Galway v Shannon Blues

Field B

1:45 Junior B Football:  Cork v Kerry

3:00 Junior C Hurling:  Hartford v Portland

Worcester, Ma

3:00 Junior C Hurling:  Worcester v Barley House Wolves

Sau July 2 - Senior Football: Shannon Blues v Connemara Gaels

Shannon Blues 1-11 Connemara Gaels 1-10

The last game of the day proved to be the most exciting with the Shannon Blues pulling though with a point in injury time against 12-man Connemara Gaels.  The Gaels will feel hard done by, having come away from the game with nothing despite their valiant second half efforts, however, there were plenty of chances there for them to get a result.  For their part, the Blues survived the Gaels throwing everything at them and came up with the winning score from the boot of Limerick man, Josh Ryan, in injury time.

Brian Fanning is closely watched by Matt Sullivan.

The Blues held a one goal lead at the break, and in contrast to their last outing also would be heading into the second half with a man advantage on the field rather than a man down.  Matt Sullivan was shown a second yellow card late in the half after a rash challenge.  An early goal got the Blues off the great start, midfielder Josh Ryan barreled down the middle with only the keeper to beat, slid the ball home. 

Apart from the goal, things broke fairly even on the field, with the Gaels back line, Niall McGinn in particular, working hard to hold the Blues forwards at bay.   The Blues might have had a handful more in the missed opportunity column, and played the tall Limerick man, Ryan, on the edge of the box.  The Gaels had their chances, with searching balls into Tiernan Cox at corner forward. Points from Kieran Hurley and Darren Wallace for the Blues were matched by Cox, Ryan Caffrey, and Dan O’Donoghue for the Gaels, to make it a 1-4 to 0-4 Blues advantage at the break.

The second half saw the Gaels try to make up the difference and on with 30 minutes up had the scores level.  A couple of fantastic saves from Eoin Connolly kept them in it.  Connolly saved well to his left from a Hurley close range effort to put the ball out for ’65.  Soon afterwards the Leitir Móir man was facing down a penalty after having just saved a shot, but was adjudged to have made a foot block.  This time Connolly got down to his right to save the shot and the Gaels still had life. It was always going to require a goal to bridge the gap, and it was Cox who netted following a lovely cross field ball from Tony Brosnan into the Killyclogher man’s path.  Cox dispatched the shot into the far corner.  The goal came with about 15 minutes to go, and brought the Gaels to within a point, and lifted the efforts of the Connemara men.

Tiernan Cox headed toward goal with Kevin Coffee in pursuit.

Dan O’Donoghue was under every kickout, with men in green and white shirts cleaning up the breaks.  The Blues, however, were not about to squander their advantage and kept ahead through well taken points from Austin Stacks duo, Guthrie and Horan.  The Gaels went for it and brought on Dan Lowe to add speed to the attack, they were rewarded with points from Ryan Caffrey and Cox, and a huge O’Driscoll effort.   There were a couple of chances for the Gaels to take the lead, however the final effort let them down.  With the game on the line it was the new man for the Blues who raised the cheers of the faithful with a well taken point from distance to win the game. Ryan won his own ball in the middle of the field, and from 50 yards put a point worthy of winning a great game over the bar.  The Blues bounce back, for the Gaels still a loss, but one that might have said something about the character in the team.

Gaels:  Eoin Connolly, David Black, Don Donoghue, Niall McGinn, Ryan Caffrey, Cillian Fahy, Dan O’Driscoll, Matt Sullivan, Sean Conneeley, Ferghal Meenaugh, Coleman Mulkerrin, Kevin McGrath, Tiernan Cox.

Blues:  Darragh O’Shea, Fionn O’Herlihey, Cormac Coffee, Denis McElligott, Barry Hartnett, Trevor Wallace, Wayne Guthrie, Josh Ryan, Lee O’Donoghue, Greg Horan, Brian Fanning, Kieran Hurley, Darren Wallace.

By Rory O'Donnell

Sun July 2 - Senior Football: Wolfe Tones v Christopher's

Wolfe Tones 6-18 Christopher’s 0-9

Wolfe Tones handed Christopher’s a severe defeat to put them on the brink with two tough games remaining against Donegal and the Connemara Gaels.  Three first half goals, followed by a fourth just after the restart, effectively killed off the game.  The Tones forward line looked impressive and the game got to the point where it was almost scoring at will.

Wolfe Tones had too much firepower for Christopher's on Sunday.

Three first half goals propelled the Tones into a comfortable first half lead.  Just after Christopher’s had made it 3 points to 2 with a ’65 from Eddie Goggin, the Tones struck with their first goal.  It was Shane McGuinness who started at corner forward who netted following a good run from Sean Hurley.  The Tones forward line was incisive and when on the run cut through the Christopher’s defence with ease.  Three more points were followed by a second goal, Garvin Jones finished off a nice hand-passing move and it was 2-5 to 0-4.

A third goal came after Mark Delaney made a fine save, only for the ball to find its way to Jarlath Boyce on the edge of the square, and the Kildare man netted from close range.  Christopher’s tried to bridge the gap, and with three points on the trot, there might have been some hope.  The Tones, however, extinguished any semblance of that with points from McWalter and Hurley.

Jack Smith moves the ball out of defence.

The second half began as the first ended, with the Tones adding to their lead.  Cormac McWalter made it a fourth goal and at that stage it was curtains for Christopher’s.  The Tones continued to add to their lead and introduced the players from the bench.  Shane O’Rourke added a couple after coming into the game, with Boyce and Jones also hitting the mark.  Probably the best performance from the Tones so far this year.

Tones:  Darren McDonnell, Jack Smith, James Reilly, Ferghal O’Brien, Tom Quinn, Darren Maguire, Jarlath Boyce, Sean Hurley, Michael O’Brien, Cormac Joyce-Power, Garvin Jones, Shane McGuinness, Cormac McWalter.

Christopher’s:  Mark Delaney, Mark Killeen, Martin Coppinger, Shane Dooey, Sam Ryan, James Horgan, Sean O’Leary, Daniel Grehan, Ryan Kennedy, Coleman Kennedy, Greg Henry, Conor Horgan, Eddie Goggin.

By Rory O'Donnell

Sat July 1 - Junior A Hurling: Galway v Fr. Tom Burke's

Fr. Tom Burke’s 1-17 Galway 2-8

On Saturday evening Tom’s came through a tough encounter against a Galway team that stuck to their task and kept it interesting to the end.  It took a late goal from Ciaran Moore for Tom’s nerves to settle and secure the points.

Fr. Tom's came through against a battling Galway side. 

Most of the first half scoring came from Tom’s.  Seamus Higgins and James Dooley did well manning the rearguard for Tom’s, while at the other end of the field it was Jack Goulding, Niall McCarthy, and Fran Keenan adding to the tally on the scoreboard.   Galway got some hope with a goal that Shane Jordan doubled on to drive into the net, and points from Enda Feeney made it a 1-2 to 0-9 Tom’s half time advantage.

The teams traded points to open the second half, Ciaran Morrissey hitting the mark for Galway and Goulding, along with Niall McCarthy, for Tom’s.  After Sean Og Somers pointed, a second Galway goal came courtesy of James Terrell.  The game took on a whole new complexion following the goal as there was a heightened sense of urgency on each side, and the Galway efforts picked up.

Galway juniors came up just a little short of a result on Saturday.

Morrissey hit a massive point for Galway, and shortly afterwards could have had a goal, driving the ball over rather than under the bar.  With the difference between the teams narrowed to a single point, Goulding hit a fine score, and a much needed one for Tom’s at the time.  Tom’s opened their lead to four points with a handful of minutes left, and after James Terrell reduced the gap to a single score, Moore’s injury time goal put Tom’s nerves at ease.

Tom’s:  Chris O’Donoghue, James Dooley, Paddy Flynn, Kevin Burke, Seamus Higgins, Sean Og Somers, Niall McCarthy, Cian Moore, Fran Keenan, Gary Kelly, Liam Moore, Jack Martin, Jack Goulding.

Galway:  Ray Grealish, Seamus Loftus, David Lynch, James Terrell, Trevor Lee, Mike Lennon, Dan O’Leary, Ciaran Morissey, David Laurden, Paul Dwyer, Enda Feeney, Cian Clifford, Shane Jordan.

By Rory O'Donnell