Armstrong strikes late equaliser to keep Salthill in the hunt

SALTHILL/KNOCKNACARRA needed a Sean Armstrong point in added-time to grasp a draw after a terrific second-half comeback from Tuam Stars almost saw them reach their first Galway SFC final in 16 years.

Salthill/Knocknacarra got off to a flying start and Seamie Crowe, one of four survivors from their victorious 2005 campaign, was to the fore. He ran on to a hand pass over the Tuam Stars defence from Conor Healy before firing the ball to the back of Johnny Trayers’ net.

It took 18 minutes for Tuam Stars to get off the mark and it was an uncharacteristic handling error from Finian Hanley that let Shane Gaffney in for an easy point. Tom Burke and Healy points settled Salthill/Knocknacarra after 25 minutes but, from then to the break, Tuam Stars showed their worth.