At 2pm St Michael’s take on Kilconly and at 3.30pm Glenamaddy take on Oughterard with the county u-21 final between Tuam Stars and St James’ also on the billing at 5.30pm.
Kilconly are going great guns under former Tuam Stars player Kevin Reidy and they would appear to have enough momentum built up to get past the city lads who will be very dependent on Eddie Hoare at midfield to win the lion’s share of possession.
It has been a major ambition for the Kilconly club to get into the senior ranks over the past few years and after being very disappointed not to jump that fence last year they will feel that 2008 is their ideal opportunity to do so.
They defeated Dunmore McHales comprehensively in the quarter-final and in the likes of Kevin Brady, Adrian Murphy, and John Paul Steede they should have enough talent to push on to the county final and I would take them to advance in this one.
Calling Glenamaddy versus Oughterard is difficult as both sides have produced some indifferent form over the season.
Glen have played St Brendan’s and Mountbellew recently in challenges for this tie however they are still very dependent on Shay Walsh to register most of their scores. In a recent league match he scored 1-09 against Dunmore and if Oughterard don’t concede scorable frees they will be doing themselves a big favour.
Mike Walsh, their bainisteoir, can call on three of the all-conquering Galway minor side from 2006 to show leadership and direction for his side. Damien O’ Reilly, Martin Coady, who is a very talented forward, and Joe Joe Greaney should provide a lot of mobility and enthusiasm for the fray, and even allowing for the probable continued absence of county player Matthew Clancy, they should have the ability and ambition to sneak into the county final.
The final fixture of the day at the stadium sees St James’ take on Tuam Stars in the county u-21 final and despite Tuam having some talented players like Shane Curtin, Conor Doherty, Ian McGough, John Lawless, and David Connern in their ranks we feel in this parish that St. James will collect.
They have won the last two minor titles, and with the likes of Paul Conroy at midfield and Eoin Concannon up front they should have the firepower to win.
