An Spidéal hurlers are safe after big victory in play-off

An Spidéal 3-15

Sylane 1-11

Pádraic Ó Ciardha at Pearse Stadium

THE hurlers of An Spidéal are safe in the Intermediate ranks for another year after producing an impressive performance to see off Sylane in last weekend’s relegation final.

While Sylane got off to the better start, Keelan Creaven striking three excellent long-range frees, An Spidéal hit the front in the 11th minute when Antaine Ó Laoi found the net after great work from Gearóid Ó Conghaile.

An Spidéal hit their stride, led by a strong showing from Liam Ó Ceallaigh at centre-back, and further scores from Cormac Ó Laoi (2) and Pádraig Eoin Ó Curraoin saw them lead 1-4 to 0-4 by the first water break. Subsequently, a good score from Sylane’s Ryan Keane gave a boost to his side just after the resumption and they had the better of things until half-time.

Another superb score from Keane, with one foot on the sideline, was followed by a monster free from Keelan Creaven. While An Spidéal hit back with points from Gearóid Ó Conghaile and Antaine Ó Laoi, veteran Kevin Brady scored a fine point with pretty much his first touch of the half, while another long-range free from Creavan left Sylane within one, 1-7 to 0-9, as half-time approached.

Things could have been even better for the north Galway side had they not been denied by two excellent saves from An Spidéal goalkeeper Ciarán Breathnach in added-time. Breathnach first got down to stop a low shot from Andrew Cosgrove and when Kevin Brady was first to the loose ball, the ‘keeper pulled off another superb save with his foot to protect An Spidéal’s lead.

Finnian Ó Laoi and Keelan Creaven opened both sides’ accounts early in the second half, but An Spidéal took control of the contest soon after.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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