Salthill-Knocknacarra edged out St Brigid's 0-14 to 1-10 in a Connacht semi-final at ECC Pearse Stadium, pulling off another last-gasp escape for the Galway champions. St Brigid's, the reigning Connacht champions, had looked in control for much of the first half, establishing a five-point lead by the 18th minute after Conor Hand intercepted a short kick-out from Ruairí Lavelle and slotted a low goal. Ben O'Carroll added two points to stretch the advantage further, and at one stage the Roscommon side led by eight.

The contest turned after the restart, as Salthill-Knocknacarra made heavy weather of reeling in their opponents. Finnerty and Thompson found points in the lead-up to the turnaround, and the Galway side gradually gained momentum, though they dropped several shots short of the crossbar and wasted a chance when Brian Conlon fired over from five metres. St Brigid's still held the lead going into injury time, with the game seemingly slipping away from Salthill.S1S2

Mark Mannion saved the day for Salthill-Knocknacarra with a long-range two-pointer from the terrace side of the pitch with a minute remaining, levelling the game. St Brigid's were then awarded a contentious two-point free from almost 55 metres out. Conor Carroll's strike struck the post and rebounded to Paul McGrath, whose shot was kept out by a fine save from Lavelle, sealing the win for Salthill-Knocknacarra.S1S2

John Maher, the Salthill-Knocknacarra All Star midfielder, said his side never gave up despite a poor first half. Salthill-Knocknacarra will now face Castlebar Mitchels in the Connacht final at MacHale Park in a fortnight's time.S1S2