Maigh Cuilinn 4-13 (4-2-9)
Leitrim Gaels 1-9 (1-0-9)
Maigh Cuilinn continued their impressive record in provincial competition this afternoon, overcoming a fast start from Leitrim Gaels to run out winners in the Connacht Senior Club Football Championship semi-final in Salthill.
Our seniors ultimately proved too strong, but Leitrim Gaels certainly made their presence felt early on in their first-ever Connacht fixture. A blistering opening saw Garvan Jones crack home a goal in the fourth minute, flanked by points from David Regan and Stephen Goldrick, momentarily putting the visitors ahead.
However, once Maigh Cuilinn settled, they were relentless. The team reeled off an unanswered 2-9 from the sixth minute up to the half-time break. Key goals arrived in quick succession from top scorer Dessie Conneely (21st minute) and Fiachra McDonagh (22nd minute). Points also flowed from Johnny Moloney, Fionn McDonagh, Niall Walsh, and Seán O’Connor.
The second half began with immediate impact from Maigh Cuilinn. Fionn McDonagh found the net with quickfire goals in the 35th and 36th minutes, pushing the lead even further out of reach.
Credit must go to Leitrim Gaels, who refused to yield. Maigh Cuilinn keeper Pierce Greally was forced into superb goal-saving saves against Jamie Rynn and Garvan Jones, while David Wynne smothered another close-range effort from David Regan.
Dessie Conneely, fresh from a massive haul last week, finished the day with an impressive 1-7 to his name, rounding out the Maigh Cuilinn scoring. Manager Cathal Clancy had the luxury of withdrawing key players, including Seán Kelly, before the three-quarter mark.
With this win, Maigh Cuilinn, Connacht winners at Senior (2022) and Intermediate (2015) level, secure their place in the 2024 Connacht Senior Club Football Final.
Maigh Cuilinn will now face Roscommon champions St. Brigid’s in the Connacht final in a fortnight.
The focus now immediately shifts to the Connacht Final against Roscommon kingpins St. Brigid’s, led by manager Anthony Cunningham.
Manager Cathal Clancy acknowledged the stature of the opposition and the weight of recent history:
“The one thing we know about Brigid’s is they come with a serious tradition in the Connacht club championship.”
We encourage all supporters to come out in force to cheer on the team in this prestigious provincial decider!
Scorers for Maigh Cuilinn: Dessie Conneely 1-7 (1tp, 1tpf, 1f); Fionn McDonagh 2-3 (2f); Fiachra McDonagh 1-0; Seán O’Connor, Johnny Moloney and Niall Walsh 0-1 each.
Scorers for Leitrim Gaels: Garvan Jones 1-4 (3f); David Regan, Aidan Flynn, Stephen Goldrick, Liam Moreton and Shaun Chandler 0-1 each.
MAIGH CUILINN: Pierce Greally; Aidan Claffey, Mike Moughan, Eoghan Kelly; Seán O’Connor, Seán Kelly, David Wynne (captain); Tom Clarke, Ger Davoren; Johnny Moloney, Niall Walsh, Paul Kelly; Fionn McDonagh, Fiachra McDonagh, Dessie Conneely.
Subs: Cillian Gallagher for Walsh temporary (41-FT), Conor Corcoran for Seán Kelly (43), Eoin McGuire for Claffey (46), Mark Hynes for Eoghan Kelly (49), Charlie Cox for Fionn McDonagh (50), Mark Bradley for Moloney (57).
LEITRIM GAELS: Brian Cull; Liam Chandler, Frank Cullen, Shane Finn; Shaun Chandler, Aidan Flynn (captain), Jamie Rynn; Ryan Jones, Conall Jones; Jack Flynn, Garvan Jones, Stephen Goldrick; David Regan, Liam Moreton, Aaron Farrell.
Subs: Eunan Treacy for Farrell (39), Conor Guckian for Moreton (39), Michael Connolly for Rynn (44), Ben Finn for Cullen (52), James Flynn for Goldrick (56).
REFEREE: Jerome Henry (Mayo).
