Galway Garda won the first silverware of the 2010 Interfirms GAA season and retained the Curran Cup when they proved too strong for a gallant Medtronic side in Renmore during the week.
The difference between the sides was the finishing from the Garda as they were more clinical in front of the posts.
Medtronic contributed to a keen battle where the final scoreline did not do their efforts any justice. They matched their illustrious opponents in the second half but left themselves with a mountain to climb after a poor first half.
The Garda, playing with a slight breeze in the opening half, made the brighter opening. Goals from Brian Meaney and Fergal Kilbane in the opening quarter put them in a commanding position. Points from Padraig O Connor (2 ) and Shane Prendergast (2 ) left them nine points clear at the interval, 2 - 4 to 0 - 1.
Medtronic keeper Conan Clarke came to his side’s rescue twice in the opening five minutes of the second half. First he saved Fergal Kilbane’s penalty three minutes in before denying Brian Meaney again moments later with another point blank save. However a third goal, this time from Shane Prendergast, put the result beyond doubt.
Points from Kevin Kilroy kept Medtronic in touch before the Garda ran out convincing winners.
Galway Garda: S Igoe (0-1 ), P Mcbride, B Burke, S Durcan, M O Sullivan, P Kelly, D Clarke, B Ryan, B Meaney (1-1 ), P O Connor (0-3 ), S Prendergast (1-2 ), F Kilbane (1-1 ), A Keane, C Barrett. Subs, S McHugh, N Delaney.
Medtronic: C Clarke, D Fee, K Dooher, B Warde, M Molyneaux, R Rogers, M Grimes, J Clifford, D Kilmartin, C Trautt, K Kilroy (0-4 ), K Connaughton, P Kenna (0-1 ), D Morris (0-1 ), S.Dooley. Subs, J O Connor, M McNamara, L Finn, D.Kelleher, C Sullivan.
Referee: F Kinneen
