Last Sunday morning fog and frost covered Salthill’s home pitch where they took on St Michael’s in an eagerly-awaited first round of the county u-21 championship.
However the elements most definitely did not impact on Salthill as they made a blistering start with a well-taken goal by young Gearoid Armstrong after only 30 seconds, and from there to the finish John Ruane’s team was chasing the game.
The impressive Shane Maughan kept St Michael’s in touch with a few frees, but the industry and pace of the Salthill forward division caused all sorts of problems for Michael’s rearguard.
Sean Gavin, who lined out with the Salthill seniors last season, worked very hard at midfield and the possession he garnered ensured Cian McBride at number 11 and Enda Dunne always secured quality ball to make inroads.
McBride, who is on Galway United’s books for the coming season, is a skilful player and he scored one “45” kick with much to spare and looked lively throughout.
Others who caught the eye and will have impressed team manager Gerry Hughes, and county u-21 and minor managers Alan Mulholland and Gerry Fahy who were in attendance, were Kevin Conlon and Conor Halloran (who had a storming game ) in the half back line, Ray Winters at corner back, and the powerfully-built Gearoid Armstrong at right corner forward.
Enda Dunne scored two goals, and substitute Brian Conlon also came on and raised a green flag.
St Michael’s were over-dependent on young Shane Maughan up front, and they had solid grafters in Neil and Barry Grogan and Colm Tummon at midfield.
However team manager John Ruane and his panel can have no complaints as they were well beaten by the better team.
Salthill face Killanin in the next round.
