Familiar pairing in Galway SFC final as Conneely hits 2-16

Moycullen's Peter Cooke and Michael Farragher of Corofin ©INPHO/Bryan Keane

The Galway SFC final will be a repeat of last year’s decider after Maigh Cuilinn and Salthill-Knocknacarra enjoyed contrasting semi-final victories over Annaghdown and Corofin at Pearse Stadium.

Dessie Conneely scored a remarkable 2-16 as Frank Fox Cup holders Maigh Cuilinn blitzed Annaghdown by 4-26 to 0-8 to maintain their recent red-hot form. Not long back from Australia, Conneely netted twice in quick succession midway through the first half before Niall Walsh raised a third green flag to leave Cathal Clancy’s charges perched on a 3-8 to 0-6 half-time lead.

The returning Peter Cooke also netted in the second half to complete the rout.

The other semi-final was a much closer affair which saw Salthill-Knocknacarra edge out former kingpins Corofin by 0-15 to 2-7.

County star Rob Finnerty scored 0-9 for the winners who held a slender 0-9 to 1-5 lead at the break after Shane Canavan goaled late in the first half. But despite playing against the wind in the second half, the Seasiders stayed in front until Jason Leonard’s 52nd minute goal brought Corofin level.

However, a brace of late points from Finnerty – the first from a free – saw Salthill-Knocknacarra into another decider.