Corofin 1-18 v Salthill 0-09
Corofin cruised past the challenge of Salthill-Knocknacarra to book their spot in the last four of the Claregalway Hotel Galway Senior Football championship.
Despite playing into the wind at Pearse stadium in the first half, they held a slender 0-06 v 0-05 lead at interval. An early Robert Finnerty free had got the hosts off to a good start. However, Salthill were wasteful with the wind at their backs as a tally of five first half wides drained their confidence somewhat. Corofin were far more economical with their chances. Their patient probing passing suited playing into the wind.
A brace of points from both Jason Leonard and Gary Sice, along with points from Kieran Molloy and Conor Cunningham kept the scoreboard ticking over during the opening half. Salthill were overly reliant on the accuracy of Robert Finnerty from placed balls. Three frees and a mark from the son of their manager Anthony Finnerty were Salthill’s only scores during the first half until Tomo Culhane added a point from play in first-half stoppage time.
Half-Time: Corofin 0-6 Salthill 0-5
Kevin O’Brien’s side upped the intensity after the break and began to pull away from the Seasiders.
On the restart Corofin extended their lead with a point from play and a Gary Sice free. Further scores from Liam & Darragh Silke (2) and Michael Lundy, as well as a fine effort from Jason Leonard were only interrupted by a solitary Robert Finnerty free in reply. A goal from substitute Dathai Burke ten minutes from time sealed the win. The Dual player squeezed the ball past Ruairi Lavelle in the Salthill net after a beautiful reverse pass from Gary Sice. Further late points from Gary Sice and Ciaran McGrath added to the final tally of 1-18 to 0-9.
Full time: Corofin 1-18 Salthill Knocknacarra 0-09
