St Michaels 1-11
Kilconly 1-7
St Michael's advanced to the Claregalway Hotel Galway IFC final following a surprisingly comfortable four-point victory over Kilconly in Tuam Stadium yesterday afternoon. A powerful third quarter surge, inspired by Eddie Hoare, proved the difference as Pat Regan's side established a match-winning position they were never to relinquish.
This was an impressive team performance from St Michael's who displayed an intensity throughout the hour that the north Galway side could not live with.
The first half was a scrappy, error-strewn affair with defences largely on top. Kilconly were struggling to play the direct football that proved so effective in the quarter-final victory over Dunmore McHales as early deliveries to their full-forward line were regularly intercepted by a tigerish St Michael's rearguard.
The city side dominated the opening half with Eddie Hoare and Greg Rogan both in superb form. Rogan struck three points, a booming sideline kick the highlight. Wing forward Frank Daly was also prominent and kicked the score of the half when finishing a flowing move initiated by full-back Alan Glynn.
Kilconly could not establish a foothold in the game but managed to stay in touch on the scoreboard at half time thanks mainly to the accuracy of Padraic Moran. Kevin Reidy's side needed to restart strongly but the spark to ignite their challenge never came. St Michael's picked up where they left off as Eddie Hoare, who kicked six points in total, stormed into the game.
The Galway panellist, who dominated the midfield battle and caused huge problems with his attacking forays throughout, extended the lead before the game's decisive score arrived. A slick passing move involving Cian McClafferty and Micheál Feeney exposed loose marking in the Kilconly defence before Frank Daly crashed to the net past Kilconly 'keeper Fergus Daly.
The city side were now in an unassailable position and continued to turn their dominance into scores. Hoare tagged on three points while impressive full-forward Micheál Feeney also struck a superb score from distance. Kilconly did reply through frees from Padraic Moran and Michael Murphy, however the prospect of a comeback never gained momentum.
Kevin Reidy's side did manage a late resurgence when Padraic Moran flicked a dropping effort to the St Michael's net in injury time but, in truth, it was scant consolation as St Michael's remained in firm control of the match.
While Kilconly produced a listless display and under-performed on the day, St Michael's were full value for victory. Pat Regan's side now go forward to meet Glenamaddy in next month's final with the prize of senior football at stake.
St Michael's: R Hannon; K Sheridan, A Glynn, D Walsh; J Downes, P Ruane, C McClafferty; E Hoare (0-6, 0-3f ), P Regan; F Daly (1-1 ), G Rogan (0-3, 0-1f, 0-1sl ), C Hoctor; C Stewart, M Feeney (0-1 ), H McClafferty. Subs: C Clancy for H McClafferty (56 ); M Cullinane for J Downes (59 ).
Kilconly: F Daly; C Concannon, D Concannon, D Flaherty; B Concannon (0-1 ), K Brady, M Newell; J Fair, D Murphy; D Glynn, J Kerrigan, M Murphy (0-1f ); A Murphy (0-1 ), L Glynn, P Moran (1-4, 0-3f ). Subs: K Collins (for L Glynn, 37 mins ); A Walsh for B Concannon, (42 ); JP Steede for D Glynn (46 ); B Moran for C Concannon (50 ).
Referee: M Mac Gearailt.
