Salthill Devon advanced in this fixture with thanks to evidence of hard work done on set pieces throughout the season combined with the guile and delivery of Diarmuid Fadden and not for the first time the excellent heading ability of Garbhann Malone.

Devon, playing their second game in three days, came into this tie missing 4 season regulars due to injury. Devon started with a 4-3-3 formation with Shane Connaughton, Conor Shaughnessy and Niall Murray the trio in midfield, Aaron Murtagh slightly out of position was wide right and Ben Murphy wide left with Dillon Murphy the focal point of the attack. Chris Healy, captain for the day was the voice and presence behind the back four of Hanbury, Malone, Kane and Fadden.

The opening 15 minutes was a battle for possession with Conor Shaughnessy and Shane Connaughton carving half chances for the lively Dillon Murphy in attack. Murphy was causing the opposition rearguard severe headaches with his pace and strength. He had the best opportunity of the half when he got in behind and opted for power when one on one with the keeper but his effort went straight at the keeper who managed to push it to the side and maintain the stalemate.

Devon Management had some words for the team at half time and from afar it appeared that they wanted more quality and desire from each individual. Devon started the better and continued to be the dominant side but still had no luck in front of goal. Colm Hughes was introduced for Aaron Murtagh who was playing his 3rd game in 3 days and fatigue had set in. Hughes hade an immediate impact down the flank with Ben Murphy moving further forward, Sean Lally came on to replace Niall Murray down the right flank to vary the offensive play. Salthill Devon moved forward and were unlucky not to open the scoring after some neat footwork, Conor Shaughnessy continued to run the midfield along with Shane Connaughton.

Some decent play down the right flank gave Devon a corner kick, Diarmuid Fadden rushed over, well in his own style made his way over to the corner flag, and delivered the perfect cross and with a lapse in concentration at the back for Oranmore there was Garbhann Malone to expertly head the ball home at the back stick to make it 1-0. A reward for the long evenings on the training ground when repetition after repetition becomes the norm and the norm in the case was advancement to the next round of the Connaught Cup and a home draw versus Willow Park of Athlone.

This week should see the return of Eoghan Stenson and Shane Garvey, Devon's best player this season. However, before the Connaught Cup game, Devon will host Athenry in the re-arranged league game this coming Thursday evening at 6.30pm and your season ticket will allow you free access to this game.