Kieran Fitzgerald’s three points from play were crucial in Corofin’s narrow win over Killererin in a poor game. The county defender had a fine game and his industry and work rate were notable features in the contest.
The best you could say about Corofin’s performance was that when the chips were down, they dug deep and got the vital scores to advance to the last four. That is a good characteristic to have in your locker for championship success.
Alan Burke had a terrific game and proved his critics wrong as regards his ability to defend against quality opposition and 18-years-old Cathal Silke added to his senior experience with a solid display at corner back.
Kieran McGrath shot two fine points from wingback and his drive and zest were invaluable in a dour second half.
Killererin will be disappointed to go out, but their containment policy was always risky and they really needed a goal to fully ignite their challenge. It would be great from a Galway perspective to see their younger players like Colin Forde and Tomas Fahey really work on their game and their upper body and core strength over the next nine months and give the new Galway manager - whoever that will be - additional options from a defensive viewpoint for 2010.
Both men were key players in the All-Ireland minor success of 2007 and three years later it would be tremendous to see them push on and start making waves in the senior ranks.
They have the ability to do so, if they put the hard graft in.
