Any doubts about Tourlestrane’s ability to retain their Homeland Sligo senior football championship title for an eighth consecutive year will have been cooled by Sunday’s 1-10 to 0-6 win over Division 1 league winners Shamrock Gaels at Markievicz Park.
The south Sligo’s ability to absorb wave after wave of Shamrock Gaels approach play – and then strike with menace on the break saw them keep their opponents scoreless for 26 minutes of the first half.
Tourlestrane led by 0-6 to 0-2 at half-time – and while Shamrock Gaels closed that gap to three points in the closing quarter, the champions always looked capable of upping the gears when they needed too.
The clinching goal arrived in the closing moments as Rian Kennedy pounced on a high ball into the Gaels goal area which deceived keeper DJ Lyons in the wind – and Kennedy finished the ball to an empty net to seal Tourlestane’s second win the group from two games played.
Shamrock Gaels, who have now lost their opening two group matches, have no margin for error now as they prepare to take on Drumcliffe/Rosses Point in round 3 next weekend.
The north Club began their championship challenge on Sunday with a seven-point win over Tubbercurry at Kent Park.
Sunday’s Homeland Sligo SFC Group 2 results
Tourlestrane 1-10 Shamrock Gaels
Drumcliffe/Rosses Point 2-7 Tubbercurry 0-6
| GROUP 2 | GAMES | SCORING DIFF | POINTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourlestrane | 2 | +10 | 4 |
| Drumcliffe/Rosses Point | 1 | +7 | 2 |
| Coolera/Strandhill | 1 | +1 | 2 |
| Shamrock Gaels | 2 | -8 | 0 |
| Tubbercurry | 2 | -10 | 0 |
Group 1 results
St Mary’s 1-15 Curry 1-9
St Molaise Gaels 2-15 St Farnan’s 0-6
| GROUP 1 | GAMES | SCORING DIFF | POINTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| St Mary's | 2 | +13 | 4 |
| St Molaise Gaels | 1 | +15 | 2 |
| Calry/St Joseph's | 1 | +11 | 2 |
| Curry | 2 | -17 | 0 |
| St Farnan's | 2 | -22 | 0 |
