Connacht Club SHC Final/Portumna 6-23 James Stephens 0-7:Damian Hayes scored four goals as Portumna lifted their third Connacht title in five years at Athleague yesterday.
The Ballina side had no answer to a side who scored at will throughout. Indeed, the margin of victory would have been greater had Portumna not hit 18 wides, 12 of them in the opening half.
Three of Damian Hayes's goals came in the opening half and they led by 3-7 to 0-4 at the break.
Niall Hayes got Portumna's fourth goal two minutes after the restart, with younger brother Damian blasting his fourth of the game after 41 minutes. Portumna continued to score at will, with Kevin Hayes getting their sixth goal eight minutes from the end.
PORTUMNA:I Canning; M Gill, O Canning, D Canning; G Heagney, E McEntee, A O'Donnell; E Lynch (0-1), P Smith; N Hayes (1-6), K Hayes (1-2),L Smith; D Hayes (4-1), J Canning (0-5, three frees, one 65), A Smith (0-6, one free). Subs: C Ryan (0-1)for L Smith (37 mins); J O'Flaherty for A O'Donnell (42 mins); C O'Hehir (0-1)for Lynch (44 mins).
JAMES STEPHENS:T Duffy; K Barrett (0-1, free),D Cafferky, A Healy; H Ruane, K Golden, S Doherty; J Tigue, V O'Hora (0-1); P Reape (0-1),K Healy, R Campion; B Walsh, B Barrett, D Barrett (0-3, all frees). Subs:J Duffy for A Healy (half-time); A Stenson (0-1, free)for Walsh (40 mins) C Sheridan for B Barrett (46 mins); P Walsh for K Healy (50 mins); S Golden for D Barrett (58 mins).
Referee: J McGrath(Westmeath).