Salthill power to second title

Salthill-Knocknacarra 0-11 Carna/Caiseal 2-2

First, there was the heartening sight of hundreds of flag-waving Salthill kids invading the pitch after their team had clinched only the second title in their history (the first in 1990), a badly needed boost for the club.

Second, in the midst of all that celebration, the sorry sight of Salthill's outstanding full-back Finian Hanley being stretchered off the pitch. Hanley had been heroic all game, and in the final seconds of what had been a really bruising encounter, as Carna/Caiseal came in desperate search of the goal that would have seen them tie the game, he fielded the final ball into the Salthill red zone. As he did so, however, he was tackled, heavily, hit the ground, and was stretchered away in obvious distress.