Loughrey saves the day as Caltra hang on to take title

Caltra 1-11

Killannin 0-11

Tomás Keating at Tuam Stadium

IN injury time in Saturday’s County U20 football final at Tuam Stadium, Caltra led by three points thanks to Shaun Keane’s 14th minute goal, and scoring five unanswered points in the final quarter, leaving Killannin knowing a goal would only suffice to save the day.

But they appeared about to salavage a result when Joseph O’Flaherty’s powerful half-volley went goalwards, only for Caltra ‘keeper Odhrán Loughrey to make an amazing stop.

O’Flaherty’s shot came out of nowhere as Cian Folan, who was in magnificent form on the day hitting 0-7, burrowed his way into the square and fell to the ground. Before Killannin even had a chance to appeal for a penalty, the ball spilled, O’Flaherty drew a kick and Loughrey showed impressive reactions for a man who usually plays outfield to deny Killannin extra time.

It was an enthralling game of football that was level on five different occasions, and it was Keane’s goal that had a huge bearing throughout. It’s hard to believe that he played minor this year because of his sheer size and power. To Killannin’s credit, Sam Keating and Conor Roche took turns marking him on the edge of the square and did reasonably well, but Keane only needs one chance. His goal was typical of him, Jack Barrett lobbed in a speculative high-ball, and Keane fended his man off and punched the ball past ‘keeper Oisín Finn.

Prior to Caltra’s five points without reply, it looked like Killannin were in the driving seat as Folan swung over three in-a-row to put Patrick Sweeney’s side a point in front with 44 minutes played. However, Caltra showed their immense character, as Alan Naughton (two, one from a free), Ross Hannon, Owen Naughton and Keane all put scores on the board to leave Seamus Geraghty’s charges up by four heading into injury-time.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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