Castlegar, the most prolific winners of the Galway SHC but who have been without a title since 1984, will hope to end Portumna's hopes of three All-Ireland titles in a row when they meet in the quarter-finals next weekend. Castlegar, managed by former Galway legend John Connolly, scored a dramatic win over Kinvara in a preliminary quarter-final on Sunday when wing-back Padraig O'Flynn cracked home a goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time for a 3-10 to 2-12 win.

Galway full-back Shane Kavanagh lined out at wing-forward for Kinvara and looked to have booked their place with a haul of 1-9, with seven points coming from frees.

They led by 1-6 to 2-2 at the break after Eoin Fitzgerald's early strike for Castlegar was cancelled by Cathal Connolly at the other as both sides opened with goals.

Ger Farragher, who finished with 1-4, got Castlegar's second goal but with Kavanagh regularly on target they looked set to bow out until O'Flynn blasted home his dramatic winner. Athenry, three times winners of the All-Ireland title, made their exit when they were turned over by Mullagh by 3-16 to 1-10 in a preliminary quarter-final tie.

Athenry led by 1-8 to 1-6 at the break thanks to a goal from Sean Glynn but Finian Coone struck a goal for Mullagh to stay in touch. Athenry could only manage two points after the restart as Mullagh pulled away with Alan White firing home a goal after 44 minutes and Donal Reilly also finding the net six minutes later.

They will now play Clarinbridge in the quarter-finals next weekend after Mark Kerins led the way with seven points as they saw off the challenge of Killimordaly by 0-19 to 1-8.

But Kerins may miss next weekend's clash after being forced to retire injured early in the second-half after his accuracy helped them to a 0-12 to 0-5 lead.

Galway panellist Eoin Forde and Paul Coen hit three points apiece for Clarinbridge to pull away, with only Eanna Ryan providing regular scores for Killimordaly but his late goal was never going to change the outcome. Liam Mellowes booked a quarter-final place against Gort with John Lee outstanding as the city side scored a 2-13 to 0-11 win over Ardrahan. Aonghus Callinan blasted home a goal from a free which saw Mellowes ahead by double scores at the break on a 1-9 to 0-6 score line.

Ardrahan rarely looked like getting the goal they required to get back in the contest and Niall McInerney wrapped up the win with a late goal. Craughwell preserved their senior status with a 0-22 to 0-19 win over Tommie Larkins, while Carnmore are also safe with a 4-12 to 3-9 win over a Cappataggle side who will now meet Tommie Larkins with the losers dropping to the intermediate grade.

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