Galway on Top Again

 

Galway 0-11 St. Columbkilles 0-10

 

Galway regained their position in the drivers seat in the Intermediate Football championship as they defeated Brighton rivals, St. Columbkilles, by the narrowest of margins.  The sides were locked at even scores at half time, and Galway pulled away in the early part of the second only for St. Columbkilles to mount a late comeback that fell just short.

 

Galway opened the game with some well taken points, and looked to have a slight edge on their opponents.  Dave Lally’s return to the Galway strengthened the side and made a big difference to their performance over the last time the sides met.  Two well taken points from JJ O’Neill and Donal Redmond made Galway’s intentions clear early in the game.  St. Columbkilles made their was into the game after the opening 10 minutes.  Eoghan Keating and Andy Farrell frees brought them back into the game.  At the half the sides were tied at six points each.

 

Galway opened the second half in the same manner as the first and opened up a four point lead.  St. Columbkilles seemed unable to cope with the runs of Stephen Brennan, and Kieran Comer’s link play was instrumental in Galway’s effort.  A melee broke out about ten minutes into the half as some jostling between John Cunningham and the aforementioned Lally turned ugly.  A man from each side was handed a red card and it was twelve on twelve for the final 20 minutes.

 

St. Columbkilles started to eat into the deficit, but got a let off as JJ O’Neill unbelieveably fired wide from the edge of the small square with just the keeper to beat.  The Galway lead dwindled to one point, and with a last chance free from about 40 yards Keating went short to Andy Farrell who lost control as he was about to shoot.  The win puts Galway on eight points and St. Columbkilles on six with one game to play.

 

St. Columbkilles:  Colin Murphy (Gaillimh), Fiontan Gamble (Aontroim), Darren Burke (Luimnigh), Jason O’Brien (Luimingh), Darragh Keane (Ath Cliath), Niall Clarke (Ath Cliath), John Cunningham (Tir Chonaill), John Marsh (Luimnigh), Dermot O’Connor (Maigheo), Andy Farrell (Ath Cliath), Odhran McCann (Ath Cliath), Eoghan Keating (Luimnigh), James Kinsella (Loch Garman).  Sub:  Paddy McKenna (Tir Eoghan).