Galway 3-12 Roscommon 1-8
Reigning All-Ireland champions Galway signalled their championship intentions with a ruthless demolition of Roscommon at Dr. Hyde Park this afternoon.
Roscommon, last year’s provincial champions, were no match for John O’Mahony’s well drilled side and posed no threat during a lifeless, one sided contest.
Dual star Alan Kerins, who is poised for a return to the hurling squad after being dropped by manager Noel Lane last month, netted two goals in an impressive team performance.
Roscommon found the better start and led 0-3 to 0-1 after eight minutes.
Galway captain Padraig Joyce slotted over four frees before the Tribesmen took the lead for the first time through Derek Savage after 35 minutes.
Savage then found the net from the penalty spot after Roscommon ‘keeper Derek Thompson had brought down Joyce in the area moments before half-time.
Kerins, a second half substitute, made his mark midway through the second half when he fisted home a looping cross ball from Joyce.
10 minutes later, after climbing high to claim a superb clearance from defence, Kerins majestically toe-poked the ball home past the advancing Thompson.
Galway progress to play Mayo in the Connacht semi-final in Castlebar on June 2nd. Roscommon must negotiate the ‘back door’ system starting a week later.
Armagh 1-12 Tyrone 1-12
In the Ulster Championship, newcomer Sean Kavanagh pulled out all the stops as Tyrone snatched a late goal to draw with Armagh at Clones.
The reigning Ulster champions battled tenaciously with Armagh and the sides were level on ten occasions throughout the game.
The first half finished level at six points apiece but it was Armagh who gained the upper hand early in the second period.
Steven McDonell put four points between the teams 14 minutes into the second half and Armagh looked likely winners.
Both sides traded scores point-for point and Armagh led with minutes to play.
Tyrone then rescued the tie when Kavanagh latched onto a long ball from Colin Holmes, turning before blasting home from close range with a minute to play.
The replay is at Clones next Sunday, May 26th.