Kerin’s goal proves decisive as St Michael’s keep their title hopes alive

St Michael’s 1-9

An Spideál 0-10

Paul Shaughnessy at Pearse Stadium

ST Michael’ bounced back from their heavy opening round loss to Salthill/Knocknacarra by recording a narrow two-point victory over An Spideál in round two of the Galway senior football championship at Pearse Stadium on Saturday. It was a must win game for both sides with Barna shocking Salthill Knocknacarra and both sides being defeated first day out.

With St Michael’s and An Spideal each opting to get numbers behind the ball, it was no surprise that this Group 1 encounter turned into a low-scoring affair, with both sides making mistakes on the ball in the opening period.

Still, there was plenty of talent on display in Pearse Stadium. Galway senior Finnian O Laoi, brother Antaine, and Galway U20 Conal O’Caoimh all featured for the Conemara side while current inter-county senior Eamonn Brannigan, former Galway player Eddie Hoare and last year’s Galway minor, Ethan Fiorentini, were among the headline acts in the city club’s ranks.

Early on, Alan Melia’s outfit raced into a 0-3 to 0-1 lead courtesy of two Finnian O Laoi placed balls and a long range free from influential goalkeeper Maghnus Breathnach.

St Michael’s, however, soon upped their workrate and intensity, and some terrific play from Eoin Kerin and Brian Harlowe split the An Spideal defence open with Kerin slotting the ball into the left corner of the net.

The sides traded scores until half time with Damien Connaughton proving to be a handful for An Spideál, winning a free which Eddie Hoare made no mistake from the resulting free, while Connaughton himself was then on target. Cathal Meagher and Ethan Fiorentini also landed points.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

Get the Connacht Tribune Live app

The Connacht Tribune Live app is the home of everything that is happening in Galway City and county. It’s completely FREE and features all the latest news, sport and information on what’s on in your area. Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.