Corofin draw short straw in Tuam Stars

OUTRIGHT favourites Corofin have been drawn to play Tuam Stars in the second round of the Galway senior football championship after staying on course for a sixth county title in eight years with a comprehensive win over Mountbellew-Moylough last weekend.

Tuam against the reigning champions was the stand out fixture of the winners’ group when the draw for the second round took place at Pearse Stadium on Sunday evening.

With Gary Sice, Michael Lundy, and Justin Burke in sparkling form, the 1/10 pre-match favourites made light of the challenge of a depleted Mountbellew side to storm home on a scoreline of 3-14 to 1-10. Mountbellew will still feel they have a key role to play in the championship, however, after being drawn to play neighbours Menlough next time out.

The ten second round games are due to take place on the weekend of June 28-29, barring a draw in the Connacht Championship semi-final clash between Sligo and Galway on Saturday week, June 21. While Corofin lived up to expectations, it was left to the men of An Cheathru Rua to cause the shock of the opening round. The Connemara men overcame the 2012 champions –  and overwhelming 1/4 favourites – Salthill-Knocknacarra with a dour 1-4 to 0-6 win at Pearse Stadium.

An Cheathrú Rua will now face Annaghdown in the winners’ group, while Salthill face a Kilconly side who were narrowly beaten by Caltra in an exciting tie at Tuam Stadium.