Joyce clan inspirational for Killererin

GALWAY SFC FINAL Killererin 1-10 Corofin 1-7:NICKY JOYCE led from the front as Killererin produced the goods to capture their sixth Galway SFC at Pearse Stadium yesterday as Corofin's hopes of a first ever three-in-a-row were dashed.

It was a victory masterminded by the famous Joyce clan. Tommie Joyce was player/manager and a busy midfielder, brother Pádraic, the former All-Star, directed operations up front and their cousin Nicky hit a crucial 1-5.

Killererin did the damage in the opening half when they led by 1-5 to 1-2 at the break having played against the wind.

It took 19 minutes for the first point from play, a neat effort from Corofin corner-forward Mike Farragher who finished with 1-3.

That reduced the margin to 0-3 to 0-2 but Nicky Joyce doubled the challengers’ lead straight away.

Then a high shot from Ronan Steede came back off the right post for Joe Canney to set up Farragher for a goal after 26 minutes.

But Corofin’s joy was short-lived as Nicky Joyce fisted home Ger Butler’s a cross from the right less than 60 seconds later. And Killererin finished the half strongly with Jonathan Keane adding a point.

After half-time Corofin shot four points without reply from Farragher (two), Thomas Costello and Alan O’Donovan to edge in front after 38 minutes. Nicky Joyce responded with another free that was cancelled by O’Donovan at the other end after 53 minutes.

But the champions failed to score after that. Butler levelled for Killererin and Nicky Joyce pushed them back in front with another free and then Tommie Joyce set him up for a wonderful score. Padraic Joyce’s trademark superb free put the seal on a deserved win.

KILLERERIN: A Keane; D Flaherty, C Forde, D Kelly; I Reddington, D Mannion, T Fahy; T Joyce, T Hughes; T Flynn, N Joyce (1-5, three frees), J Keane (0-1); M Boyle, P Joyce (0-3, three frees), G Butler (0-1).

COROFIN: D Morris; G Delaney, K Fitzgerald, P Kelly; D Keane, D Burke, G Sice; G Higgins, K Comer; K McGrath, A Burke, R Steede; M Farragher (1-3), J Canney, A O'Donovan (0-3, two frees). Subs: T Costello (0-1)for Keane (30 mins), C Silke for Kelly (46 mins), A Donnellan for Canney (58 mins).

Referee: F Kinneen.