Finnerty shines as Salthill Knocknacarra triumphs
Rob Finnerty's two crucial goals propelled Salthill Knocknacarra to a 3-16 to 2-15 victory over Ballinamore Sean O'Heslins in the Connacht Club quarter-final. The intense clash unfolded at Pairc Seán MacDiarmada amid foggy conditions in Carrick-on-Shannon.
Match overview
The encounter took place at the fog-shrouded Pairc Seán MacDiarmada in Carrick-on-Shannon, where Ballinamore drew first blood with an early point from Tom Prior. However, Salthill Knocknacarra quickly responded through Cathal Sweeney, and the teams exchanged scores in a tightly-contested opening phase.
Paul Honeyman’s two-pointer briefly put Ballinamore ahead again, but Tomó Culhane’s reply kept the Galway side level. Cillian O'Toole then nudged Salthill Knocknacarra into the lead, before further points from Dara Conneely and Culhane extended their advantage. Dillon Beirne’s goal for Ballinamore in the 19th minute narrowed the margin, but Finnerty’s goal just before half-time sent Salthill Knocknacarra in front at 1-9 to 1-6.
Second half action
Ballinamore rallied early in the second period, levelling the score by the 33rd minute, thanks to points from Honeyman and Shane Moran. Yet Salthill Knocknacarra responded emphatically, with Finnerty adding another goal and free, supported by Mathew Thompson and Cathal Sweeney, to build a commanding seven-point lead.
Despite Ballinamore’s efforts to close the gap, including a goal from Tom Prior and points from Niall McGovern and Donal Feely, Finnerty and Culhane ensured the home side maintained control. Culhane’s third goal sealed the victory, with Salthill Knocknacarra holding on to progress.
Scorers and line-ups
Salthill Knocknacarra scorers: Robert Finnerty 2-2 (2 frees), Tomó Culhane 1-4 (2 points, 2 frees), Cathal Sweeney 0-4, Mathew Thompson 0-3 (1 two-pointer), Cillian O'Toole, Dara Conneely, Evan Wynne 0-1 each.
Ballinamore scorers: Tom Prior 1-3, Paul Honeyman 0-5 (1 two-pointer, 1 two-pointer free), Dillon Beirne 1-0, Paul Moran 0-2 (2 frees), Shane Moran 0-2, Niall McGovern 0-1, Donal Feely 0-1.
Salthill Knocknacarra starting XV: Ruairí Lavelle; Dara Conneely, Damien Kiely, Evan Wynne; Cathal Sweeney, Paddy Kitt, Mark Mannion; John Maher, Michael Kitt; Cillian O'Toole, Mathew Thompson, Mickey Mullery; Colm Finnerty, Robert Finnerty, Tomó Culhane.
Subs: Daniel O'Flaherty (HT), Mickey Culhane (41), Niall Hanohoe (52), Brian Conlon (58).
Ballinamore Sean O'Heslins starting XV: Mark Aherne; Cathal McHugh, Brian Banks, Mathew Murphy; Niall McGovern, Michael McBrien, Keelan McHugh; Shane Moran, Niall McGovern; Michael McKiernan, Tom Prior, Dillon Beirne; Paul Moran, Brian Leyden, Paul Honeyman.
Subs: Wayne Mckeon (40), Luke Murphy (41), Louis Quinn (55), Donal Feely (55), Conor Moran (57).
Referee: Ronan Hynes (Sligo).
The victory propels Salthill Knocknacarra further in the Connacht Club SFC, showcasing their resilience and attacking prowess under challenging conditions.