Last Sunday was also a highly successful one for city footballers at an underage level as Salthill deservedly defeated Corofin in the county u-16 final played at Pearse Stadium.
The Salthill management team of Tom Joyce, Sean Armstrong senior, and Eddie O’ Donnell were absolutely delighted. Rightly so, as their charges put in a terrific last quarter to come from behind to oust the Corofin lads with a few well-worked goals.
Team captain Micheal O’Donnell at full-back was solid and composed despite coming up against the highly rated Shane Farragher who was Corofin’s best forward on the day.
At midfield the tremendously athletic Ronan Conlon and Micheal Staunton had their moments, while up front speedster Daryl Horgan at wing-forward and the very imposing Gearoid Armstrong caught the eye on the edge of the square.
For someone to win, someone has to lose, and the Corofin mentors, Ollie Burke, PJ Langan, Jimmy McHugh, Martin McNamara, and Martin Fleming will be disappointed their team did not play to potential. However they can have no complaints after being beaten by a better team on the day.
Best for Corofin were Conor Keady, Shane Ryan, Enda Fleming and Shane Farragher. Dual minor star Daithi Burke tried hard for the cause but he was spun out after playing a championship hurling game earlier that day in yet another example of the difficulties that dual players face at all levels.
Fair play to both management teams for the hard work and commitment that they put into getting both sides prepared for the championship. The game was played at a very high standard and both sides have players who can play with their clubs at the top level or perhaps even county sides at Ted Webb, minor, and senior level if they commit to the code and maintain the obvious progress that they are making.
