Galway SFC: Maigh Cuilinn make promising start to their title defence

Maigh Cuilinn players and management celebrate following last year's county title success. 

Maigh Cuilinn, winners of their first Galway SFC title last year, maintained their winning start to the group stages with a 1-12 to 1-11 victory over Annaghdown in Pearse Stadium.

Annaghdown, who also won their opening match, trailed by 0-9 to 1-5 at the break with Frankie Burke getting the goal but a late rally led by Damien Comer came up just short of the champions.

Former All-Ireland club winners Salthill/Knocknacarra are in danger of a shock exit after their lost their second game in a row when an effort from Brian Moran for an equalising point for Monivea/Abbey dipped into the net to give them a 1-9 to 0-10 victory.

Corofin, whose run of seven county titles in a row was ended at the semi-final stage last year by Mountbellew/Moylough, chalked up their second win when goals in either half from Martin Farragher and Liam Silke sealed a 2-14 to 0-9 win over Caherlistrane which keeps them on course for the knockout stages.

But their conquerors last year had to rely on a late Patrick Kelly point to snatch a 1-10 to 0-13 draw for Mountbellew-Moylough against Milltown, with John Daly getting the goal for last year’s runners-up.

Tuam Stars, with Gary O’Donnell again outstanding, secured their first win after drawing with St James on the opening weekend, when they defeated Killannin by 2-12 to 1-10. 

Donal Ó Cualáin, Conchúr Ó Cianáin and Oisin Gormally got the goals in Bearna’s 3-10 to 0-15 win over Oughterard. St Michael’s bounced back from an opening loss to defeat An Spidéal by 2-9 to 0-12, while another city side St James’ scored a 3-13 to 1-11 win over Cortoon Shamrocks.

Goals from Barry Goldrick and Lorcan Molloy helped Claregalway defeat An Cheathrú Rua by 2-10 to 2-7.