Maigh Cuilinn v Mountbellew Moylough, Galway SFC Semi

Two opening half goals from Paddy Kelly, who also set up John Daly for a third, were decisive for Mountbellew/Moylough as they advanced by 3-12 to 0-16.

Mountbellew/Moylough have been runners-up in four of the last six finals, three of those losses coming against Corofin.

They laid the foundation for victory when they led by 2-7 to 0-6 at the break, having played with the wind. Kelly gave them a brilliant start when he found the net after just a minute after a delivery from Mike Daly.

Maigh Cuilinn recovered well with Peter Cooke leading the way and they trailed by just two points seven minutes from the break. But Mountbellew/Moylough, with Matthew Barrett strong in midfield and Barry McHugh a threat up front, pulled away and Kelly fired home a penalty in the dying moments of the half.

Champions Maigh Cuilinn hit back with the opening three points after the restart before McHugh settled Mountbellew/Moylough and points from James Foley and Paul Donnellan were followed by a goal from Daly after he was set up by Kelly to lead by 3-10 to 0-10 with 12 minutes left.

Maigh Cuilinn rallied in the closing stages but just could not get the goal they needed to ignite a comeback and in the end surrendered the crown they won for the first time last year.

(Source: Irish Examiner)