Claregalway 5–3 Salthill/Knocknacarra 1–7
Path to the Final
Clarinbridge v Claregalway (Walkover for Claregalway)
Claregalway 2–15 Oranmore/Maree 3–3
Claregalway 3–18 Craughwell 1–5
Claregalway 2–13 Moycullen 1–4
After Claregalway and Salthill had won their Group games convincingly, the scene was set for the Final—two good teams, a perfect venue in a sun soaked Pearse Stadium and Frank Kinneen the man in the middle. All these ingredients contributed to an entertaining final in which Claregalway came out well on top.
In the first half the play ebbed and flowed up and down the pitch as both sets of backs were on their game resulting in a low scoreline at the break, 2–2 to 0–3 in favour of Claregalway. The introduction of four subs in the second half helped Claregalway to stretch their lead. Salthill/Knocknacarra stuck to their task and netted their only goal late in the game but this was balanced out by Claregalway’s swift break upfield and the Salthill/Knocknacarra net shook for the fifth time to seal victory. Even though both teams scored eight times each, it was the goals that made the difference.
Amidst scenes of great jubilation, team captain Eoghan Gallagher was presented with the City League Cup by John Connolly. Congrats and well done to the panel of 32 players, managers Ja Keating and Noel Grealish, parents and helpers.
Photo courtesy of Ja Keating
