Last year's beaten finalists, Knockmore, made their exit from this year's All-Ireland Club Football Championship when they were ousted at the semi-final stage in Connacht by Galway representatives, Corofin, at Tuam Stadium yesterday. The winners were fast, fit and eager from start to finish and got a great boost after 20 minutes when Michael Donnellan floated the ball over goalkeeper Pat Reape for a goal that put his side 1-4 to 0-4 ahead.
In a game where both teams contributed to a tremendous battle that kept the large crowd entertained, a rather physical approach by the losers resulted in several frees for the Galway club, especially in the third quarter. They did not always make good use of them but they still had too much in hand for a Knockmore side which could not lift their game sufficiently.
Knockmore seemed to be in trouble approaching the break when they were 1-7 to 0-5 behind but a Padraig Brogan free fell short of the target and wing forward Peter Cawley fisted the ball to the net to leave the game delicately balanced.
However on the resumption Corofin played superbly and went 110 to 1-5 clear as their opponents failed to score in the third quarter through points from Michael Donnellan (2) and Eddie Steede.
A goal by Donnellan put the Galway side 2-11 to 1-6 ahead and seemingly safe but a brilliant goal at the other end by Brogan gave Knockmore hope. However, the winners held on comfortably.
Corofin: M McNamara; D Comer, J Killeen, John Lardner; A Fahy, R Silke (capt), James Lardner; A Donnellan, G Burke; M Donnellan (2-4), E Steede (0-2), M Kenny; D Reilly (0-2), T Burke, S Conlifk (0-2). Sub: O Burke for Killeen.
Knockmore: P Reape; F Sweeney, D Sweeney, L Armstrong; G O'Hora, P Butler (0-2), J Davis (0-1); K Staunton, D Dempsey; P Cawley (1-0), C Naughton, L McHale; P Brogan (1-4), R Dempsey, S Sweeney. Sub: John Dempsey for S Sweeney
Referee: E Stenson (Sligo).
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