Claregalway 4 – 12
Tuam Stars 2 – 7
Date: 20.4.11
Venue: Tuam Stars
Claregalway’s final group match of the N1 Division was played on Wednesday evening against Tuam Stars. Claregalway had to win the game to progress to the North Board semi-final. We were pleased to be able to field a slightly stronger team than the previous game against Corofin but we are still missing players due to injury, clashes with other fixtures and players being more committed to other sports.
The evening was damp, making for slippy underfoot conditions and a greasy ball. The Claregalway team were determined to put-up a good show and started the game strongly. They opened up a 2 point lead but Tuam fought back to level the game. Claregalway were dangerous breaking from midfield with strong running from Brian O’Connell and Sean Moran. A number of goal chances were created but the Tuam goalkeeper produced some terrific saves. Claregalway’s pressure eventually paid off with Shane Divilly getting through for a goal. Craig Hansberry followed that up with another well taken goal and shortly before half-time Liam McGuire converted an opportunity by lifting the ball over the advancing keeper. Tuam were posing problems when they advanced but at half-time Claregalway were in control on a score-line of 3-6 to 1-4.
At the start of the 2nd half Claregalway tagged on 2 points to maintain their momentum. Sean Moran had to come off due to injury and was replaced by Mark Rohan. This did not stop the team and everyone continued to work hard until the final whistle. Shane Divilly got in for his second goal and in the end Claregalway ran out winners 4-12 to 2-7.
Overall this was a good team performance. Everyone worked hard with particularly good display from our fullback line.
Listed below is the team for the game:
Thomas Duggan, Paul Fahey, Darragh Moylan, Edwin Carey, Eamon Loughlin, Mark Goldrick, Cathal Evans, Sean Moran, Brian O’Connell, Gary Higgins, John Evans (Capt), Colm Devery, Craig Hansberry, Shane Divilly, Paul Fahy.
Subs: Liam McGuire, Mark Rohan
Claregalway finished 2nd in the group behind Corofin and will now play the winners of the N2 Division in the North Board semi-final. This game will be against Dunmore or Monivea and the date is yet to be fixed.
Alan Moran
