St Michael’s march on to Connacht final

Date Published: 04-Nov-2008

ST. MICHAEL’S advanced to the Connacht Intermediate Final with a hard fought win over a ‘never say die’ Aughnasheelin side in this entertaining tie played at St. Mary’s GAA grounds in Cloone, Co. Leitrim, on Sunday. Played in very difficult underfoot conditions, both sides deserve huge credit for producing an action packed hour of thrilling action which ensured that no one left the venue till the final whistle.

Pat Regan’s men now qualify for a massive clash next Sunday where their opposition will be Roscommon champions Kilbride from Four Mile House, who needed extra time to overcome the challenge of Aughamore of Mayo in the other semi-final.

This was never going to be an easy assignment for the Galway champions as Leitrim opposition can be difficult, as Menlough found out to their cost at this stage against Carrigallen two years ago.

Backboned by the McWeeney brothers, Gavin and Barry, who are part of the current Leitrim senior set up, the home side provided a very stiff test for the Galway men. Michael’s were also forced to line out without the services of influential corner forward Ciaran Stewart, who was doing his bit for charity by running the New York City Marathon over the weekend .

Aughnasheelin got off to a great start with a well taken free after one minute by midfielder Gavin McWeeney. Eddie Hoare replied for the city club after five minutes but …