Maigh Cuilinn Stages Dramatic Comeback Against Dunmore MacHales

Maigh Cuilinn 3-7
Dunmore MacHales 1-12
at Kenny Park

In a heart-stopping match that will be remembered for years, Maigh Cuilinn pulled off a sensational comeback to defeat Dunmore MacHales in Round 1 of the Galway Senior Football Championship.

Dunmore, on their return to senior football, dominated the first half, leading by a commanding nine points at the break. Our lads looked out of sorts, struggling to find their rhythm and facing a seemingly insurmountable deficit.

But as the second half unfolded, a remarkable transformation took place. Maigh Cuilinn, fueled by a renewed sense of urgency, slowly but surely clawed their way back into the game. Our defence, anchored by the outstanding Johnny Moloney, tightened up, creating turnovers and denying Dunmore any scoring opportunities.

Tom Clarke and James McLaughlin began to assert dominance at midfield, winning crucial possessions and driving the team forward. Paul Kelly capped off a brilliant team move with a clinical finish to the net, igniting the comeback.

With the momentum firmly in their favour, Maigh Cuilinn continued to chip away at the lead. Niall Walsh’s expertly placed shot put us in front for the first time in the match, and despite a late surge from Dunmore, it was Walsh again who sealed the victory with a dramatic goal in the dying seconds of injury time.

It was a true team effort, with every player contributing to the stunning turnaround. While we were missing the services of Galway captain Seán Kelly, the rest of the squad stepped up and delivered a performance that will live long in the memory of Maigh Cuilinn supporters.

MAIGH CUILINN:
A. Power; C. Corcoran, E. Kelly, M. Moughan; A. Claffey (0-1), J. Moloney (0-1), D. Wynne; T. Clarke (0-1), J. McLaughlin (0-1); S. O’Connor, P. Kelly (1-0), C. Gallagher; O. Gallagher, N. Walsh (2-1), D. Conneely (0-1, free). Subs: F. McDonagh (0-1), for C. Gallagher, 47 mins; G. Davoren, for O’Connor, 50 mins.

DUNMORE MACHALES:
C. Gleeson (0-1, free); C. Lyons, D. Rattigan, D. Forde; S. Murray, R. Walkin, L. Murray (0-1); S. McGrath (0-1), M. Cleary; D. Brady, J. Coen, J. Slattery (0-1); T. Gleeson (1-0), P. Costello (0-4, 0-4 frees), C. Costello (0-3, 0-1 mark). Subs: J. Jordan, for Coen, 44 mins; B. Carr (0-1), for T. Gleeson, 56 mins; C.
Mitchell, for Brady, 60+2 mins.

REFEREE: James Molloy.