Caherlistrane almost blow a big lead for second time

Caherlistrane 3-12

Annaghdown 1-15

Darren Kelly  at Tuam Stadium

JUST when it seemed history would repeat itself, Caherlistrane found salvation last Sunday to rescue their senior football championship ambitions and eliminate five-time winners Annaghdown.

Neil McHugh’s side built up a nine-point half-time advantage thanks to goals for Ronan Conneely and Oisin O’Brien, but saw Annaghdown wipe out that deficit on the resumption.

After an Eoin Curry goal, Damien Comer kicked Annaghdown ahead with six minutes remaining and Caherlistrane, who’d seen an 11 point cushion disappear against St. James, feared the worst. But 1-2 saved the tie and sent them into the next round.

Spectators in Tuam Stadium witnessed an exhilarating contest. Indeed, it looked over at the break with Caherlistrane 2-8 to 0-5 ahead as they completely dominated the 30 minutes.

Comer had two chances spurned for Annaghdown as they struggled to settle. Cormac Bane had a mixed day with his shooting but tallied early with three frees for Caherlistrane.

Comer eventually opened his account on nine minutes and he added a second leaving Annaghdown’s deficit at 0-3 to 0-2.

But Caherlistrane were finding answers with their wing back Shane O’Brien standing out. He set up two attacks in the next 60 seconds with Eanna Glynn and Bane finding the target.

Annaghdown’s response on the quarter hour came from Keith Greaney but Caherlistrane stretched the margin with Bane adding two.

At 0-7 to 0-3, Caherlistrane were worth their lead but weren’t shaking off Annaghdown. A Greaney free and Ciaran Duggan’s point reduced arrears and while Donal Feeney responded, three points didn’t seem sufficient.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.