Mannion runs the show as Ahascragh/Fohenagh stay senior

Ahascragh/Fohenagh 1-17

Abbeyknockmoy 1-12

GALWAY star Cathal Mannion produced a display of craft, genius and endeavour when hitting 1-13 to save Ahascragh/Fohenagh from demotion to intermediate in a keenly contested Senior ‘B’ relegation final replay at Duggan Park, Ballinasloe on Saturday.

As with the drawn game, there was little between the victors and Abbeyknockmoy, who battled diligently throughout but, in the end, lacked the creativity and scoring power that Ahascragh/Fohenagh boasted in sharpshooter Mannion.

As simplistic as it may sound, Mannion was the over-riding difference between the two teams. His goal — a real thing of beauty — in first half-injury time nudged his side into a lead they would never surrender, despite the best efforts of an Abbeyknockmoy side that hit 14 wides — to the winner’s four — on the day.

Mannion’s goal was a sublime piece of skill. Racing onto a delivery from his brother and 2018 All-Star Padraic, Mannion — about to be converged upon by a plethora of Abbeyknockmoy players — brilliantly flicked the ball into space. He turned on his heels, collected, and raced through to drive the sliotar low beyond Abbeyknockmoy custodian John Culkin. There was little Culkin could do.

On the resulting puckout, Abbey’s Eoin Blade was fouled, affording Cathal Cooley the opportunity to convert, but the damage was done as Ahascragh/Fohenagh went in at the break with their tails up by leading 1-7 to 0-7.

From there on in, Kevin Warde’s charges controlled the contest. In the third quarter, Mannion (free), Ronan Kelly and Sean Bleahene traded points with Cooley (three frees). Bleahene’s score, worked from a short puckout and involving Mark Kelly, initiated a productive period in which Mannion — play and 65 — added two more points as Ahascragh/Fohenagh established a five-point 49th minute advantage.

Moments earlier, both sides had conjured up goal chances, which both failed to realise. Brian Flaherty went close for Abbeyknockmoy on 47 minutes before Mannion had an effort knocked out for a 65 by defender Trevor Mullins on 48 minutes.

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.