Fourth county championship for Portumna

Portumna 1-18 Gort 2-07, Pearse Stadium

A double whammy of silverware came Portumna's way at Pearse Stadium this afternoon as this back-to-back Galway SHC success also earned Johnny Kelly's charges the Connacht title.

Ollie Canning captained Portumna to their fourth county championship win, which now sees the reigning All-Ireland champions in 12th spot on the Galway SHC roll Of honour.

Portumna may have powered to a convincing eight-point win but this battle for the Tom Callanan Cup was keenly contested, especially in the opening half with the sides level at the interval.

An Ollie Fahy goal ensured Gort, who were chasing a first success since 1983, started brightly.

Fahy doubled on a long ball in to give his side an early 1-01 to 0-00 advantage.

But a brace of Joe Canning points and further Portumna scores from Leo Smith and Damien Hayes quickly levelled the contest.

Both sides enjoyed purple patches during the hour, with All-Star and Young Player of the Year Joe Canning continuing to show why he is one of the top-rated forwards in the country.

Portumna pressed hard before the break and led by 0-10 to 1-04 as the half-time break approached.

But a goal-hungry Gort claimed their second goal when Gerry Quinn blasted a close range free past six Portumna players to the back of the net.

Quinn's strike was the equalising score at the interval but Gort only managed three second half points as Portumna gave an impressive display on the restart.

Andrew Smith was on target for Portumna's only goal of the game in the 36th minute.

With Gort having no answer to Damien Hayes and Joe Canning, the Portumna attack continued to prosper. Canning finished with ten points as his side booked an All-Ireland semi-final spot.