Caltra Out in Dramatic Clash

Date Published: 24-Jul-2008

IF this contest was the pilot episode for a TV soap, then the TAM ratings would surely have gone through the roof. Simply, this game had it all – a bizarre sending off, a not so bizarre sending off, a spectacular goal, an unlikely comeback, and plenty of sideline theatrics.

Indeed, when the final whistle blew on this exciting qualifying round tie, one almost expected the theme tune of Eastenders or Coronation Street to kick in. In many respects, though, this absorbing contest would restore faith in the Claregalway Hotel senior football championship.

Far too many clubs at this grade seem content with justclinging on to their senior status and for that purpose invest all their stock in the league. However, Caltra and Moycullen are two ambitious clubs. The knock-on effect of that is they desire to better themselves and play good, intelligent football.

For this very reason, the standard of football in this clash was far superior to that of the Tuam Stars and Killanin contest afterwards. The pace was quicker, the intensity was higher, and the drama – oh, the drama – captivated the modest attendance in the Stadium on Saturday evening.

One of the talking points from this clash was the sending off of Paul Clancy. The Moycullen centre- half back…