West’s awake as Portumna’s young guns shock the Village

Portumna 2-17 James Stephens 0-11

The ingredients were similar: a powerful hunger and a level of intensity which James Stephens were simply unable to match, and it produced a contest which turned into a virtual exhibition after the holders were reduced to 13 players for the final 10 minutes.

Portumna trainer Sean Treacy praised ‘keeper Ivan Canning for “an unbelievable save” just before half-time. But in a dogged contest, which saw 11 players yellow-carded and both Philly Larkin and substitute Shane Egan sent off, the goal scored by All-Star Damien Hayes in the 23rd minute was absolutely crucial.