Salthll U-21s too classy for Breathnach’s in showdown

Date Published: {J}

Salthill / Knocknacarra 1-12

Micheal Breathnah 0-10

CIAN O’ CONNELL

A couple of decades ago Salthill-Knocknacarra were the most feared underage outfit in the county and significant hope is attached to a current crop of footballers, who added the West Board under 21 A title to their growing collection when easily dismissing the Micheal Breathnach challenge at An Spideal on Saturday afternoon.

Ten of those who saw action over the course of the hour in this convincing win occupied important roles in the county minor final success over Corofin and their vast promise was evident again out in Connemara. True Micheal Breathnach were ravaged by injuries which depleted their attack, but the stylish way Salthill-Knocknacarra controlled this contest was impressive.

So often since claiming a first county senior crown way back in 1990 Salthill-Knocknacarra have failed to deal with the heavy burden and responsibility of expectancy, but there is something especially interesting about this group. Five of the team that outmanoeuvred Breathnach’s have already sampled county senior championship action in Galway and that number is certain to be extended in the coming years.

Backed by a stiff Connemara breeze, Salthill-Knocknacarra settled quickly and when they moved the ball with pace and purpose, the underdogs couldn’t cope. It was that simple because Salthill adopted a diligent work ethic at centrefield where Robert Butler and Conor O’Halloran were able to restrict the influence of Fiontan O Curraoin.

Behind Salthill’s middle duo, Cian McGinn and Gearoid Canavan dealt adequately with the rare Breathnach first half attacks. Down at the other end of the field, Salthill’s forward line was sharp as Gearoid Armstrong and Sean Hughes repeatedly showed for ball with the Conlons’, Brian and Ronan, supplying the required vision and service.

Scoring early and often, Salthill ruled the opening period performing with real assurance and they could have possessed a healthier interval lead than their 0-9 to 0-1 cushion. Goal chances were spurned as the half lingered on, but there was never even a hint that Breathnach’s would seriously trouble them after the restart.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.