ON THE EVE of this year’s All-Ireland football final, the traditional Kilmacud Crokes sevens curtain-raiser boiled down a meeting between Corofin and St Gall’s.
The Galway and Antrim sides had crossed paths before. In 2010 St Gall’s gained the upper hand in the All-Ireland club semi-final in Parnell Park.
They went on to win the silverware that year and then in 2012 they defeated Corofin again, this time in the Kilmacud Sevens decider.
Last month Corofin finally gained the upper hand. They only had a point to spare when they won by 2-6 to 1-8 and it was the unlikely figure of goalkeeper David Morris who rammed home the crucial goal from a late penalty.
“I put the head down and put the foot through it”, laughs Morris. “After that it was a case of hoping for the best and thankfully it hit the net.
“It was a great win for us. We’ve a good history in the competition as we’ve won it three times. St Gall’s had got the better of us before so it was great to get the win.”
The competition offered Corofin good preparation for tomorrow’s assignment. They return to focus on local matters with a Galway county final date against Salthill-Knocknacarra.
Morris has been working in Dubai this week but will be back tomorrow for the showdown in Tuam Stadium. He will be on the sideline on this occasion, slipping back into his role as joint manager.
A 2002 All-Ireland U21 winner with Galway, he’s been double-jobbing this season but the focus has been on guiding the fortunes of the team.
“The players kind of took over the team this year. We got in Stephen Rochford, who won an All-Ireland club with Crossmolina, and he’s the main coach as regards training the team.”
David Morris in action for Corofin in the 2011 Galway county final
Pic: INPHO/Cathal Noonan
The setup has worked to propel them to their sixth final in the last eight years. Standing in their way is the reigning champions.
“Salthill are very experienced”, outlines Morris. “I think they’re the most physical team left in the competition and have the two best forwards in Sean Armstrong and Seamie Crowe.
“You’ve got a lot of experience as well with guys like Alan Kerins and David Tierney who have played hurling for Galway. Gary Cox is a former Roscommon player as well.”
But Corofin’s cause has been boosted by the return of key men as well.
“Michael Farragher and Ronan Steede are back after playing Australian Rules for a year. They’re supper additions and were both involved with Galway this year.
“Kieran Comer is back to give us one more effort as well. It’s all helped us and there’s been great competition for places this year.”
