It was all to play for going into the last round of the Galway Senior Football Championship at the weekend.
And, after drama aplenty across the county, the quarter-finalists were decided with some familiar faces and a few surprises.
Tuam Stars topped group one following their victory over local rivals Cortoon Shamrocks, who were reduced to 14 in the second half when corner back Padraig Neenan received his marching orders for two yellow cards.
The game finished 0-09 to 0-05 in what was a dour affair in which the Stars never really looked like losing, while Cortoon Shamrocks now enter a relegation battle.
The other game of the group was the encounter between Killannin and St James with the county side prevailing with a 1-15 to 1-13 win over the Jimmies.
St James’ will be hugely disappointed to bow out of the championship so soon after grabbing that brilliant opening game draw over group winners Tuam Stars. But on the day it was Patrick Sweeney who grabbed the decisive goal for Killanin, and they will relish the challenge of the quarter finals.
In Group two all teams had the chance to qualify in what was the most competitive group. Mountbellew-Moylough recovered from their blip against Milltown a fortnight ago to overcome the challenge of An Spideál by 1-16 to 1-08. That result saw Val Daly’s side qualify as group winners. and it ensured the winners of St Michael’s v Milltown would qualify from the group. Unfortunately for Colm Tummon’s Westside based team, it was not to be as Milltown produced an excellent performance under the guidance of Ger Bowens to reach the last eight for the first time since 2018. Two goals proved the difference as the game ended 2-09 to 0-12, while St Michael's and An Spideal now face relegation as bottom placed and lowest third placed team.
Many people expected the game of the weekend was in group three where Claregalway and Annaghdown were fighting it out for second place as the champions Moycullen had already qualified due to head-to-head rules.
And after an enthralling 60 minutes, the sides could not be separated at nine points apiece. As a result Annaghdown qualify for the quarter-final based on score difference, and Claregalway will rue missing the chance right at the end which would have deservedly given them the two points and a quarter-final place spot. Following a mistake from Annaghdown goalkeeper James Healy - and in the final act of the game - Claregalway full back Barry Callanan failed to capatilise, shooting wide. In Ros Muc, Moycullen condemned An Cheathru Rua to a relegation battle with a facile 4-18 to 0-08 win.
In group four, four teams of the six sat on two points before any fixtures had taken place. Corofin, effectively through to the last eight given their points total and scoring difference, accounted for Monivea-Abbey with relative ease in Kenny Park on Sunday afternoon, winning 2-10 to 1-06. They achieved this despite playing most of the game with 14 men following the early dismissal of Michael Lundy for a high challenge.
Oughterard overcame Caherlistrane 4-10 to 2-10, aided greatly by a first-half blitz in which they raised three green flags. Patrick Walsh was the star man, notching a hattrick. That victory ensures Oughterard qualify for their first Galway SFC quarter final place since 1987. Incredibly, the result leaves Caherlistrane in a relegation dogfight despite their brilliant opening round win over Salthill-Knocknacarra. The Seasiders secured their only win of the campaign as they comfortably beat Sean Conlon’s Barna 3-13 to 1-08 to ensure their safety. Barna, however, enter relegation in what was an extremely disappointing campaign for them after such positive signs last season.
Galway SFC quarter final draw
Tuam Stars v Moycullen
Mountbellew-Moylough v Annaghdown
Oughterard v Killanin
Corofin v Milltown
Galway SFC relegation draw
A - St Michael’s v An Spideal
B – Cortoon Shamrocks v Caherlistrane
Semi-finals – Loser A v Loser B, An Cheathru Rua v Barna
