After Tuam Stars, Killannin, Dunmore Machales and Oughterard won their preliminary quarter-finals at the weekend, we are straight into the quarter-finals this weekend. Starting with Salthill/Knocknacarra v Dunmore MacHales and Maigh Cuilinn v Oughterard on Saturday. Sunday will see Corofin play Killannin and Annaghdown v Tuam Stars.
Salthill/Knocknacrra v Dunmore MacHales
Salthill started the campaign well with a hard earned win over Mountbellew/Moylough and have since been possibly the form team in the county with impressive wins over Leitir Mór and Caherlistrane. John Maher has continued for his club where he finished the intercounty campaign with some dominant performances, most notably against Caherlistrane. Up front, the sea-siders have not missed Rob Finnerty's expertise yet thanks to the spread of scoring from the two Culhanes and the impressive Matthew Thompson.
Dunmore continue to improve under the leadership of Gary Delaney, with the club bringing through some fine talent who are gradually becoming more and more influential in their games. Most notable would be Colm Costello, who like Thompson, was one of the stars of the Galway u20 team this year. Having come through the group and defeated Leitir Mór in their preliminary game last Saturday, the Shafts have solidified their position amongst the senior ranks for another year.
Maigh Cuilinn v Oughterard
Maigh Cuilinn won all three of their group games without ever setting the world alight. Quite possibly biding their time until the group stages were ove,r they have found in Niall Walsh someone to share Dessie Connelly’s workload in that department. Seán Kelly has regained some fitness and the 2020 and 2022 champions only really looked like they could be in trouble of losing a game when they played against a gale force wind in the opening half of the first round. Oughterard have gone the hard way about things with the 2019 intermediate champions, needing a four point win against Claregalway in the final round to avoid a relegation semi-final.
Last Saturday against Milltown, they came out and played direct football for the first time in a long time and it gave spectators an enthralling game, Winning 3-14 to 3-11. The Connemara side have some fantastic footballers amongst their ranks and more open football games like last weekend will give fans some value for their money,
Corofin v Killannin
Reigning champions Corofin are another side yet to set the championship alight, but won their three games to top the group. Defeating Oughterard by four points in their opening game, followed by a late goal to beat Claregalway by six, they were grateful for some wayward Tuam Stars shooting to beat their neighbours by two in the final game.
Corofin are yet to settle on their best 15 for the rest of the campaign making numerous changes in each game. Their two intercounty starters Liam Silke and Dylan McHugh have both missed some game time but their Galway colleague Kieran Molloy has been in fine form so far, scoring three points from wing back. Up front Tony Gill and Dylan Wall are starting to find some form.
Killannin won their preliminary quarter-final against St. James’ last Thursday evening with Johnny Heaney and Cian Folan coming to the fore. Folan got two important goals at crucial stages with Heaney scoring regularly throughout the game. Killannin won the u19 championship in 2023 and have used plenty of that team so far this year with six of those also playing senior championship in 2023. These players are growing into their roles in the team and their energy and ability can make things difficult for Kevin Johnson’s side on Sunday.
Annaghdown v Tuam Stars
Norman O’Brien’s side have been somewhat the surprise of the championship so far, winning their three group games. Damien Comer’s influence has been seen right throughout their campaign but they will be sweating over his fitness after hobbling off in the opening half of their final group game win. Most impressive of their results so far was that five-point win over Killannin after losing Comer through injury.
Frankie Burke continues to influence games up front while Stephen Curley is gaining in confidence game on game. Tuam Stars comfortably defeated Mountbellew/Moylough in their Thursday night preliminary game with the ageless Jamie Tierney putting in a fine performance before being replaced by Jack Grugan who scored a point on his debut for the club.
Brian Mannion had his shooting boots on for this game and Luke Davin is beginning to make the most of his potential in the full forward line. Dara Heneghan is proving to be a menace going forward with his strong direct runs from centre back causing issues with many defences so far this year. An intriguing battle in Tuam Stadium on Sunday afternoon to end the quarter finals lies ahead.
Senior football fixtures:
Saturday:
Salthill/Knocknacarra v Dunmore MacHales, Tuam Stadium, 4.45pm
Maigh Cuilinn v Oughterard, Pearse Stadium, 4.45pm
Sunday:
Corofin v Killannin, Pearse Stadium, 3.30pm
Annaghdown v Tuam Stars, Tuam Stadium, 4.15pm
Senior relegation:
Caherlistrane v Claregalway, Saturday, 4pm, Milltown
Monivea-Abbey v Barna, Sunday 12pm, Pearse Stadium
Intermediate preliminary quarter finals:
Saturday:
Corofin v Ballygar, 3pm, Tuam Stadium
Michael Breathnach v Kilconly, 3pm, Pearse Stadium
Sunday:
An Spideal v Glenamaddy, 1.45pm, Pearse Stadium
St. Michael’s v Cortoon, 2.30pm, Tuam Stadium
Intermediate relegation:
Williamstown v Oileáin Árann, Saturday, 2pm, Annaghdown
Menlough v Kilkerrin-Clonberne, Sunday, 12pm, Mountbellew
