Galway SFC: Corofin to meet Salthill/Knocknacarra, Maigh Cuilinn set for Tuam Star duel

Matthew Thompson. Pic: James Lawlor

Corofin, chasing a third Galway SFC title in a row, will meet Salthill/Knocknacarra in the semi-finals while last year’s runners-up Maigh Cuilinn will take on Tuam Stars in the other last four tie.

The semi-final pairings, made after the quarter-finals at the weekend, are a repeat of last year’s two semi-finals. They will take place as a double-header under floodlights at Pearse Stadium on Saturday, October 11.

Corofin, who completed seven county titles in a row in 2019, bossed matters from start to finish against Dunmore MacHales in their quarter-final, shooting 0-8 before their opponents finally got off the mark after 21 minutes.

The champions led by 0-11 to 0-3 at the break before former All Star Ian Burke fired home their opening goal shortly after the restart. They pushed on from there and Darragh Silke slotted home their second goal from a penalty after 48 minutes on their way to a 2-20 to 0-10 victory.

Salthill/Knocknacarra, the home club of all three of Galway’s All Star nominations this year — John Maher, Matthew Thompson and Rob Finnerty— crushed city rivals St James’ by 5-15 to 0-16. A goal from Thompson helped Salthill/Knocknacarra lead by 1-8 to 0-7 at the interval against Paul Conroy’s side.

Finian Hanley’s men, seeking a first title since 2012, continued to control matters after the restart and finished in a flourish with 3-5 without reply as Tomo Culhane, Evan Nolan and Finnerty found the net.

Maigh Cuilinn, bidding to reach their fifth county final in six years having only ever been in one back in 1977 prior to this golden period, saw off neighbours Oughterard by 2-19 to 2-12.

All the goals came in the opening half with Maigh Cuilinn leading by four points at the break after Fiachra MacDonnacha blasted home a superb effort in the third minute and Niall Walsh getting one from a penalty.

Oughterard kept in touch with goals from James Webb and county player Matthew Tierney but the accuracy of Dessie Conneely ensured Maigh Cuilinn advanced.

Tuam Stars, the most prolific winners of the Galway SFC title but who are without a crown since 1994, advanced to the last four when they defeated Killannin by 1-21 to 0-17 after extra-time. They were level at 0-8 apiece at half-time, while a stoppage time point from former county player Patrick Sweeney for Killannin forced the game to extra-time.

A goal from Jamie Murphy, who finished with 1-5, was the decisive score of the game when he struck in the second period of extra-time for Tuam Stars.

Meanwhile, Corofin will bid to complete an unprecedented double as their intermediate side have also reached the semi-finals where they will face former All-Ireland senior champions Caltra. An Spidéal will meet St Brendan’s from Ballygar in the other intermediate semi-final.

Galway SFC semi-final draw: Corofin v Salthill/Knocknacarra; Maigh Cuilinn v Tuam Stars.

Galway IFC semi-final draw: Corofin B v Caltra; An Spidéal v St Brendan’s, Ballygar.