The Galway county hurling championship got under way last weekend with a raft of first round matches in the group stages.
Castlegar had a solid three-point win (0-17 to 0-14 ) in Athenry on Saturday evening over Ardrahan who left their charge for victory too late.
The city side led by 0-13 to 0-6 at the break and despite the heroics of Iarlaith Tannian for Ardrahan in the second half they had left themselves too much of a mountain to climb.
Ger Farragher hit seven points for the victors and his partnership with Kevin Brady at midfield ensured plenty of possession for their side.
Castlegar were missing a host of last year’s championship side and they will be pleased to have a first win under their belts.
The other game in Athenry saw Liam Mellows sneak a narrow win over Carnmore by 1-12 to 0-12.
Carnmore and manager Mike Fox will be disappointed as they were keen to get an opening round win from which to build. However they were caught by a late David Collins goal that was to prove the difference.
The Carnmore men had a chance to level it with a late penalty won by the evergreen Declan O’Brien, but George Hanley’s strike was blocked by Paddy Gannon and driven away by Collins before Alan Kelly blew for full-time.
For Mellows John Lee was solid at centre-back and fellow county player David Collins notched 1-1 from wing-forward. Brian Lee hit two fine points from midfield and worked hard throughout. However they will have to improve enormously if they are to have any impact as the season unfolds.
Carnmore will be upset they did not even get a share of the spoils as a draw looked likely for long stages. However they shot too many wides and they can have no complaints about the defeat.
In the other results from last weekend, St Thomas’ beat Turloughmore by two, 0-17 to 0-15. A rapidly improving Sarfields enjoyed a good win, defeating Athenry by 1-16 to 0-14. Tommy Larkins beat Tynagh-Abbey-Duniry 1-10 to 0-12, Kinvara defeated Clarinbridge 2-07 to 0-10, Craughwell beat Kiltormer by eight points, 1-15 to 0-9, and Beagh beat Killimordaly 3-17 to 1-15.
