Mullins and Cannon to the fore in big Athenry victory

Athenry 3-21

Salthill/Knocknacarra  0-14

Ivan Smyth at Kenny Park

ATHENRY scored 1-10 without reply from the 48th to the 63rd minute as they finished strongly to secure an emphatic victory over Salthill/Knocknacarra. Donal O’Shea’s tenth point of the game with virtually the last puck of this Junior A county final broke that scoring streak, but Athenry’s victory was long secured by this stage.

Salthill/Knocknacarra were aiming to win their first ever Junior A hurling title, but they struggled to break down the Athenry defence, scoring only five points from play throughout the contest. Despite this, they were within striking distance after 45 minutes but David Donohue struck Athenry’s second goal after a long range Cathal Keane sideline cut was mis-controlled by Salthill/Knocknacarra goalkeeper Ronan McGuinness before Donohue flicked to the net.

Despite a pair of O’Shea frees, Athenry then cut loose as they highlighted their greater spread of scorers with three of their substitutes finding the target and Darren Collins grabbing the third goal. This game proved a step too far for Salthill/Knocknacarra side who have made significant progress this year after reaching the knockout stages of the championship for the first time.

It was Salthill/Knocknacarra who started the stronger with Seanie Joyce opening the scoring. The midfielder added his second score a minute later from long range before Athenry responded with two points through corner forward Michael Mullins. Subsequently, O’Shea fired over a brace of placed balls to move Salthill/Knocknacarra two ahead once more.

The Athenry defence began to win their personal duels and this meant more ball was being supplied to their attack. Mullins pointed a free before Niall Sunderland’s side hit the front when Conor Cannon’s mishit effort was spilled by Salthill/Knocknacarra goalkeeper Ronan McGuinness into the net to give Athenry a 1-3 to 0-4 lead. Cathal Sweeney and Conor Cannon traded scores with a free by O’Shea reducing his side’s deficit to the minimum.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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