Joe Canning and his nephew Jack Canning both saw red for Portumna as they crashed to a heavy 16-point defeat to Sarsfields in Athenry this afternoon.
Three second half goals, including two from Jeff Lawless, set Sarsfields on their way to a 4-22 to 0-18 victory in Group 3 of the Galway SHC at Kenny Park.
The sending off of Galway star Joe Canning after referee Shane Hynes issued him with a second yellow card had a major bearing on the outcome. Portumna were 1-16 to 0-16 behind at this juncture.
Things went from bad to worse for the former All-Ireland champions moments later when Jack Canning was given his marching orders. Sarsfields capitalised on their opponents ill-discipline, outscoring them by 3-6 to 0-2 thereafter.
Sarsfields captain Kevin Hynes and Portumna captain Ronan O'Meara fist bump before the game. ©INPHO/James Crombie.
In Group 2, late points from Niall Burke and Conor Hanniffy (2) saw Oranmore-Maree hold off a late Clarinbridge charge at Pearse Stadium, 1-17 to 0-19. At Duggan Park, Cappataggle signalled their intent in the race for the Callanan Cup with a 4-15 to 2-15 defeat of Cappataggle.
Tweet