Corofin ready to exploit freedom from familiarity of Galway title race

COROFIN may have captured a famous seven-in-a-row of Galway SFC titles last weekend, but they have little time to rest on their laurels as they face Mayo champions Ballintubber in the Connacht club senior football championship semi-final at Tuam Stadium on Sunday (2pm).

Kevin O’Brien’s charges, who enjoyed a 0-11 to 0-8 win over Tuam Stars in the final replay, now have a new target to aim for, as they seek to become the first club to enter double digits on the Connacht club SFC roll of honour. As it stands, they lead the way with nine titles.

First, though, they must first dispose of Mayo winners, Ballintubber, a side they had it all to do to beat in last year’s Connacht decider. In the end, Corofin emerged victorious on a scoreline of 2-10 to 1-9, but they did struggle for long periods of that game.

One of the turning points was the introduction of Ian Burke on 37 minutes, with his contribution of 1-1 proving crucial. Gary Sice, who kicked four crucial frees, and man of the match, Kieran Molloy, were also pivotal figures. “The game was definitely tight last year,” recalls Corofin boss O’Brien. “When Ian came in, and we got that goal, that probably gave us the gap that saw us through.

“They have a lot of good, experienced players and it is going to be a big battle again for us on Sunday. I know they were out as well last Sunday (against Glencar-Manorhamilton in the Connacht championship), but their fixture was probably more straightforward, so that will be of a benefit to them as well.”

On a positive note, Kieran Fitzgerald and captain Micheál Lundy, both of whom had been carrying injuries of late, came through the county final replay unscathed. However, O’Brien does have one injury worry in Galway U20 player, Ross Mahon.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.

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