Sensational Pearses down Corofin

Pádraig Pearses produced one of the greatest displays seen by a Roscommon club in the Connacht Senior Club Championship as they overcame Corofin 2-10 to 0-10.

A sensational opening half display helped Pádraig Pearses lead 1-8 to 0-3 at half time as despite shipping the opening two scores of the contest, the Woodmount based side racked up turnovers on a Corofin side that struggled with the Roscommon side’s defensive system.

Corofin appeared to settle the quickest when Dylan Canney and Darragh Silke slotted over but Pearses outscored their foes 1-8 to 0-1 from there until the break. An Eoin Colleran free visibly settled Pearses and when Niall Daly curled over a vintage point from the right wing, the Fahey Cup holders were in business.

Pearses struck a huge blow in the eighth minute. Conor Harley won turnover ball as he stripped Patrick Egan as a ferocious Pearses counter attack ended when Carey rounded Bernard Power to rattle the net.

After that riposte, Pearses refused to allow Corofin a way back into this game. Carey and Colleran were both accurate from marks and although Jack McCabe ended Corofin’s 18 minute scoreless spell, Frank Canning’s side continued to control proceedings.

Colleran bolstered the Pearses advantage before great ingenuity from Declan Kenny saw him flick possession ahead of Conor Cunningham before cutting in with an inspirational score off his left.

After a contentious free was awarded to Dylan Canney, the Corofin man dropped the effort short with Carey showing All Star Dylan McHugh a clean pair of heels to slot over on the counter.

Pearses knew they would need to absorb pressure in the third quarter and even though sub Micheál Lundy and Kieran Molloy reduced the arrears, the Corofin scoring rate was much too low to move within striking distance.

Carey kicked a settling free after Niall Daly was felled while Dylan Canney (free) and Conor Harley traded efforts. Corofin tried to mount a late comeback when Canney (free), Molloy, Canney and Liam Silke slotted over to cut their deficit to three but from the resulting kickout, Corofin pushed up as Bernard Power vacated his net.

Pearses worked the ball forward to Jack Nevin to race clear of Dylan McHugh and roll the ball to an empty net to complete a famous victory.

*Full report and reaction in Tuesday's Roscommon Herald*