Salthill Devon outgun weakened Connemara side

Date Published: 19-Dec-2008

IT had the potential to be a walkover, but a combination of Salthill Devon’s inability to see off a much weakened MacDara side and the visitors’ honesty, commitment and passion ensured that this Michael Byrne Cup tie at Drom on Sunday was a contest that was always going to be competitive.

An almost full strength home side were far superior in terms of playing strength and ability, but for all their possession they struggled to break down a visiting side who were a little continental in their selection policy in using their squad rotation system as they fielded an almost second string eleven.

Goals each side of the break by Ronan Silke and Alan McGee ensured the home side’s passage and, in fairness, to Macdara, they didn’t deserve to lose by any greater margin as they worked hard to close down the runners and space.

Though the Carraroe based side enjoyed a good opening half as they defended in depth – while, at the same time, finding time for some forward momentum – the longer the game went on, the more mature limbs of some of their players began to struggle. It was very evident that several of them were on out their feet by the end.

As to be expected, it was …