Ronan and Rory one step away

Editorial Department • Published 4 Mar 2010 14:34 0 Comments

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Ronan Gallagher (left) celebrates with fellow team-mates Ciaran McGourty, Aodhan Gallagher and Sean Kelly after defeating Corfin in Parnell Park. They will compete in the All-Ireland final on St. Patrick's Day.

Ronan and Rory Gallagher moved one step away from All Ireland medals as their St. Gall's side saw off Connacht champions Corofin after extra time in Parnell Park on Saturday night.

A close battle saw St. Gall's take a strong grip in the first half as they raced into a six point lead but Corofin clawed their way back before half time and at one stage in the second half they moved a point ahead. However, the Galway side needed a late point to then force extra time but it was the Belfast outfit who controlled play during the two periods of extra time to secure a four point victory.

"We got off to a very good start and built up an early lead but I was disappointing to concede the goal that we conceded. The game ebbed and flowed after that but we showed good heart and I think in the end we deserved to win," said goalkeeper Ronan Gallagher.

Brother Rory had his game curtailed at half time due to a hamstring injury but Ronan felt that when needed the St. Gall's big guns showed their quality.

"I think our top players stood up and were counted. The likes of Sean Kelly, the McGourtys and that were very good and hopefully now we can go on and win the final," he sdaid.

However, Gallagher feels that St. Gall's will have to improve on Saturday night's display if they are to overcome the challenge of Clare club Kilmurry Ibrickane in the final at Croke Park on St Patrick's Day. Kilmurray were very impressive in defeating Portlaoise in the semi-final and Gallagher believes they will be tough opponents in the decider.

"We know that we'll have to improve to win it. We will probably go into the final as favourites but Portlaoise were also favourites to beat Kilmurray Ibrickane and look what happened to them. No, we'll be expecting a very tough game and we can only focus on playing to our strengths and negating their strengths," he commented.

This is St. Gall's second final in four years having lost out last time to Salthill and Gallagher is keen to see a different outcome on St. Patrick's Day.

"Four year ago we went to Croke Park and were beaten by a point after not performing so we would want to put that right. At the end of the day though finals are about winning and I would take a one point win even if we played poorly. I think this time there is a bit more experience about the squad. Nobody is getting carried away, even after Saturday night there were no celebrations or anything like that. We just got back on the bus to go home and on Monday night we had a pool session and were back to training on Tuesday night. This is a big year for the club, it is the Centenary year and to win this would obviously be a great way to celebrate the cententary," he added.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 04 Mar 10

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