Galway SFC final/Killereran 1-10 Salthill 0-10: Ireland's International Rules captain Pádraic Joyce made a sensational return to action at Pearse Stadium to inspire Killererin to victory over Salthill-Knocknacarra in the yesterday's Galway senior football championship final.
Joyce, who underwent surgery for a groin injury two weeks ago, made a dramatic entrance just before the throw-in having not participated in the team photograph or pre-match parade.
He was the difference between the sides in the second half as Killererin fought back into the wind having trailed by two points at the interval.
Joyce kicked three points - including one from a rebound two minutes after the restart when his penalty was expertly saved by Brian Fitzpatrick - but his biggest contribution came with five minutes remaining.
Killererin had edged 0-9 to 0-8 in front at that stage when Joyce did all the hard work, racing through in a move that was finished by his cousin Nicky Joyce scoring the only goal of the game.
There was no way back for Salthill after that and they were left to rue a dismal second-half display after seemingly laying the foundation for victory in the opening period against the wind.
Salthill led by 0-6 to 0-4 at the interval with points from Ruaidhrí McTiernan, Conor McGauran, Alan Kerins and Maurice Sheridan putting them 0-4 to 0-1 ahead after just 14 minutes.
Killererin's great spirit and the inspirational play of Pádraic and Nicky Joyce carried the day for the city club in the second-half.
KILLERERIN: A Keane; D Flaherty, M Mitchell, M Nicholson; K Courtney, T Joyce (0-1), D Heneghan; T Hughes, P Joyce (0-3, two frees); P Miskell, N Joyce (1-4, 0-1 free), T Flynn; O Wilson, T Wilson (0-2), J Wilson.
SALTHILL: B Fitzpatrick; D Burke, F Hanley, D Boyce; B Dooney, G Morley, R McTiernan (0-1); D Gilmartin, M Sherdian (0-5, four frees); S Crowe, A Kerins (0-1, 45), S Armstrong (0-1, free); P Kennedy (0-1), C McGauran (0-1), S Rabbitte. Subs: J Boylan for Kennedy (48 mins), T Burke for Crowe (58 mins).
Referee: P Joyce.
