Rahoon-Newcastle 1-19 Pádraig Pearses 1-16
Darren Kelly, The Connacht Tribune
Rahoon-Newcastle displayed resilience in Tuam Stadium on Saturday as they sent Pádraig Pearses into relegation. After conceding a 10-point lead last week, few saw the city side stepping up again, but Kevin Hayes’ team were ready.
Bertie Keane, Jordan Ruffley and Cian Cloherty helped Rahoon-Newcastle lead 0-11 to 0-8 at half-time but they still couldn’t shake off Pearses despite Keane’s goal on 44 minutes. With Jonah Donnellan landing frees, Shane Raftery’s crew stayed in touch and were given a lifeline when Dean Reilly found the net on 49 minutes.
Neither could afford to lose, and they were all square entering injury time with the draw favouring the Gurteen-Ballymacward men. But when needed most, Keane stepped up with three winning scores for Rahoon-Newcastle.