Ryan gets Connacht clincher to end brave Ulster’s resistance

The first-half sending-off of Ulster midfielder Neil McManus for two yellow cards spoiled this encounter, but Connacht still struggled to impose themselves in Ballinasloe and it wasn’t until Eanna Ryan’s goal six minutes from time that Anthony Cunningham’s men could breathe easily.

Featuring players from Antrim, Derry, Down and Armagh, Gregory O’Kane’s side pulled within three points of Connacht late on thanks to a goal from a penalty by Cormac Donnelly, only for Ryan’s goal to trigger the opening of the floodgates. Ulster raced into a 0-5 to 0-0 lead, with McManus hitting two frees and Neil McAuley, Michael Armstrong and Karl Stewart also finding the range.

Damien Hayes was prominent throughout for Connacht even though he didn’t score and set up Iarla Tannian for a goal which put Connacht 1-8 to 0-8 in front at the break.