O’Neill makes winning debut as Galway manager in challenge with Clare

Galway 4-16

Clare 0-21

SHANE O’Neill got off to a perfect start to life as Galway hurling manager on Saturday with a convincing 4-16 to 0-21 victory over Clare in a tournament clash in Ballinderreen.

A first half goal blitz and a strong performance from Ahascragh Fohenagh’s Sean Bleahene, who scored 2-4, saw the Tribesmen leave some of their recent off-field difficulties behind them.

New Banner boss Brian Lohan fielded an experimental line-up for the game and his side started slowly being outdone for pace at the back by Galway’s dynamic front three of Bleahene, Donal Mannion and Ja Mannion

Puckouts from Galway goalkeeper FergaL Flannery tested the Clare defence from the outset as they found target men Sean Linnane, Tadhg Haran and the lively Bleahene who all landed points early on.

Midway through the first half, Flannery’s relentless pounding of the Clare defence led to Galway’s first goal of the afternoon with Bleahene latching onto the ball, finding Tadhg Haran who rifled home past Eibhear Quilligan in the Clare goal.

Just six minutes later Galway got their second goal, Bleahene going from provider to goalscorer as the Tribesmen pulled further clear. A hapless Clare fell further behind before half time as the in-form Bleahene netted again making it 3-9 to 0-10 as referee Alan Kelly blew the half-time whistle.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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