Ahead of Round 1 of the Football Championship Group fixtures, there are group stage ticket packages available for Galway online here:
https://am.ticketmaster.com/gaa/buy/galwaysm3mp
The package covers the three Group Stage matches and essentially works out as ‘3 for 2’ on Adult tickets.
Ticket sales close for each county on the Friday night before the Round 1 match.
By Cian O’Connell
“For me, it was a brilliant game of football,” Galway manager Padraic Joyce reflected following a compelling Connacht SFC Final.
Ultimately, Galway finished strongly kicking three of the last four points to prevail. Galway led by eight at the break before Mayo, backed by a significant breeze, thundered back.
Joyce, though, relished the combat. “The way football should be played,” the Killererin clubman added.
“Both teams went out and went at it really hard. Hard hits, hard tackles, all fair, in fairness. A bit of pulling and dragging off the ball on kickouts, that is expected. Overall, it was a brilliant game of football.
“I know Mayo will rue the chances they missed at the end, but for us to eke out the result against the wind, under pressure on our kickout, eight point lead at half-time, conceded a goal straight away at the start, on the back foot, for me, I think our lads showed great character at the end.”
The fact that Galway’s substitutes contributed encouraged Joyce. “We got a huge impact from our lads on the bench,” he added.
“We were saying it all week, the bench we have is strong enough to come in, to perform. Cian Hernon was superb.
“Peter Cooke, Cathal Sweeney worked really hard in fairness and unfortunately, I said to him there, we had to make a tactical decision with Peter to get a bigger man on the pitch.
“The other boys were going really well. Liam (Ó Conghaile) kicked a score which was great.”
Joyce also acknowledged a crucial late intervention from Dylan McHugh. “Look, he is a great defender Dylan,” Joyce remarked. “Again, he got forced across the pitch. Cein D’Arcy got a great block as well. Again fair play to Paddy and the officials, they kept control of the game.
“We all went mad on the line at some stages, but it just shows what it means to us to come down and win this game. Mayo are the same.
“All this talk about draws last week, both teams wanted to win a Connacht championship. That is the way it should be. That is why the provincials to me are very important.”
Connacht Senior Football Championship Final
Galway 1-17 (1-3-11) Mayo 1-15 (1-2-11)
By Cian O’Connell at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park
On a wild and windy afternoon in Castlebar, Galway demonstrated character and class to defeat Mayo.
Trailing by eight points at half-time, Mayo fought back to draw level, but Galway still found a way to survive.
The breeze was behind Mayo, momentum had been generated, but Galway, without influential players, persevered. Ultimately, Pádraic Joyce’s charges stayed calm in the chaos late on.
When Rory Brickenden was black carded in the 62nd minute, Galway sensed the opportunity that existed to win a fourth provincial title on the spin for the first time since the 1960s.
Rob Finnerty nailed a free to steer Galway ahead again. Paul Conroy subsequently added a gorgeous effort, after inventive work by substitute Peter Cooke, Finnerty, and Dylan McHugh, who was a crucial figure in the closing stages.
It was fast and furious; Enda Hession extracted a magnificent save from Connor Gleeson. From the resultant 45, Colm Reape narrowed the gap to the minimum.
McHugh, though, made a brilliant block to thwart Paul Towey, and Galway briskly moved the ball upfield with Liam Ó Conghaile clipping a point that will be gleefully remembered in An Spidéal for decades.
Mayo had one last flurry, but from an acute angle Mattie Ruane drilled an effort wide. The Nestor Cup was retained by Galway. Gripping it most certainly was.
Initially, Kevin McStay’s outfit, playing into the teeth of a strong wind, still enjoyed a productive spell. Ryan O’Donoghue rifled over two frees before Paul Conroy thumped over a two pointer.
Mayo pounced for a seventh minute goal as Davitt Neary released Darren McHale, who supplied a crisp finish. The Galway net was dancing, and it appeared Mayo were acquiring belief.
Despite the elements, Galway only managed to get three shots off in the first 15 minutes with Mayo 1-2 to 0-2 ahead.
Galway, though, continued to perspire. Inspiration was supplied too by McDaid and Conroy, who once again showed his poise with a further couple of two pointers.
Matthew Thompson, McDaid, captain Seán Kelly, and Finnerty added scores for Galway, who edged 0-10 to 1-2 clear. Matthew Tierney converted a penalty after referee Paddy Neilan deemed that Ruane fouled the gutsy Johnny McGrath. Matthew Tierney’s conversion was ice cool.
Prior to the break, McHale and Finnerty traded points as Galway departed at the interval armed with a 1-11 to 1-3 advantage.
When the action recommenced, Mayo cut into the lead quickly and with a real sense of purpose. O’Donoghue and Ruane whipped over two pointers, while McHale was also craving involvement.
The Knockmore clubman kicked a 46th minute point that put Mayo to within one, 1-12 to 1-11 in front of 27,137 spectators.
Finnerty nailed a free for Galway, but Davitt Neary replied. A two-point free Ryan O’Donoghue was palmed over the bar by Gleeson ensuring it was only a single score. Nonetheless, parity was restored.
Galway were under duress, but McDaid was exceptional when the need was greatest. McDaid scored following a sweet exchange with Thompson. O’Donoghue equalised once more.
Then the critical burst arrived following Brickenden’s departure. The maroon and white flags were flying. Mayo, were left wondering about what might have been.
In a fortnight, Mayo will host Cavan. Galway’s meeting with Dublin in Salthill will capture the imagination. Drama is inevitable.
Scorers for Galway: Paul Conroy 0-7 (2 2pt, 1 2ptf), Rob Finnerty 0-4 (3fs), Matthew Tierney 1-1 (1-0 pen), Cillian McDaid 0-2, Seán Kelly, Matthew Thompson, and Liam Ó Conghaile 0-1 each.
Scorers for Mayo: Ryan O’Donoghue 0-9 (1 2pt, 6fs), Darren McHale 1-2, Mattie Ruane 0-2 (2pt), Davitt Neary and Colm Reape (45) 0-1 each.
Galway: Connor Gleeson; Jack Glynn, Seán Fitzgerald, Liam Silke; Dylan McHugh, Johnny McGrath, Seán Ó Maoilchiaráin; Paul Conroy, John Maher; Céin D’Arcy, Seán Kelly, Cillian McDaid; Matthew Tierney, Rob Finnerty, Matthew Thompson.
Subs: Cathal Sweeney for Maher (HT), Kieran Molloy for Fitzgerald (41), Cian Hernon for Ó Maoilchiaráin (48), Peter Cooke for Sweeney (61), Liam Ó Conghaile for Thompson (66).
Mayo: Colm Reape; Rory Brickenden, Jack Coyne, Donnacha McHugh; David McBrien, Enda Hession, Stephen Coen; Mattie Ruane, Jordan Flynn; Diarmuid O’Connor, Ryan O’Donohgue; Jack Carney; Darren McHale, Aidan O’Shea, Davitt Neary.
Subs: Sam Callinan for McBrien (9), Paul Towey for O’Connor (HT), Fergal Boland for Neary (61), Fenton Kelly for McHale (66).
Referee: Paddy Neilan (Roscommon).
The Galway Senior Football team to face Mayo in the Connacht Senior Football final on Sunday is announced,
GALWAY V MAYO
📍Hastings Insurance MacHale Park, Castlebar
🗓️Sunday 4th May 2025
🕓4.00PM
📺Live on RTE
Live Score updates via WhatstheScór App on our X feed
Match Tickets on Sale online and in Centra and SuperValu Stores
Purchase online here https://am.ticketmaster.com/gaa/connachtsfc25
Best of Luck to Padraic Joyce, Team Management and our Senior Footballers on Sunday!
#riseofthetribes
#gaillimhabú
Important Match Day Information for Supporters attending Galway v Mayo
Below are the traffic management arrangements for the Women’s Mini Marathon and Connacht Senior Football Championship Final on Sunday, 4th May, 2025 in Castlebar.
An Garda Síochána welcome all participants and supporters to Castlebar for the Women’s Mini Marathon and the Connacht Senior Football Championship Final on Sunday, 4th May, 2025.
In order to maximise your enjoyment of either or both of the events, An Garda Síochána offer the following information in relation to traffic management and safety.
Our advice is to plan your journey and to arrive into Castlebar early, and to follow guidance from Gardaí, event marshals and road signage.
In order to ensure the safety of more than 2,000 participants in the Mini Marathon, and the public generally, there will be temporary ‘rolling’ road closures. The event commences at noon and traffic delays can be expected.
The closures will be:
· The Mall: 9:30am – 4:00pm
· Ellison Street: 9:30am – 3:00pm
· Lower Spencer Street: 10:30am – 12:30pm
· Duke Street, Newport Road to Pound Road, Pound Roasd, Gallows Hill, Newline: Noon – 1:00pm
· Pontoon Rd to Ballinvilla and Ballinavilla Road to Mountgregory: Noon – 2:00pm
· Mountgregory/Turlough Road: Noon – 2:30pm
· Staball Hill/Thomas Street, Bridge Street and Main Street: 12:15pm – 2:30pm
Later that day, the Connacht Senior Football Championship will take place, and an attendance of up to 20,000 people is expected.
Large volumes of traffic can be expected in the general Castlebar area throughout the day, particularly in the vicinity of MacHale Park in the build up to the 4:00pm throw-in and immediately afterwards. Turnstiles will open at 2.30pm
The main routes into Castlebar are:
· N5 Dublin road into Moneen Roundabout
· N60 Claremorris Road into Kilkenny Cross
· N84 Ballinrobe Road into Cathal Duffy Roundabout
· N5 Westport road
· R311 Newport Road
Traffic can use the Castlebar Bypass dual carriageway and can exit at various junctions to enter Castlebar.
There may be traffic diversions on the day, depending on traffic volumes and Gardaí will be on duty to provide information.
Parking restrictions will be in place from 9am in the vicinity of the stadium and on approaches.
Our U17 Footballers head to Castlebar on Friday evening for the Connacht U17 Football Semi-Final vs Mayo
Galway v Mayo
📍Hastings Insurance MacHale Park
🕡6.30pm
Buy Match Tickets here🎟️
https://universe.com/events/electric-ireland-connacht-minor-football-semi-final-galway-v-mayo-tickets-H7R0JT
📺Watch on Live Stream GAA Beo – YouTube Spórt TG4 ⤵️
https://www.youtube.com/live/NhDUxUPscfo
Best of Luck to Neil, Team Management and our U17 Football Squad!
#riseofthetribes
#gaillimhabú
Is údar mór brón do CLG na Gaillimhe an scéala go bhfuil ár n-iar imreoir Contae Tommy Keenan imithe ar shlí na firínne.
The Dunmore MacHales club man tasted success with Galway, winning two All-Ireland Senior Football medals as part of the three in a row squad of 1960s.
In 1970, he captained Galway to a Connacht final victory before leading the team in the All-Ireland semi-final against Meath.
Tommy was a key player with the Dunmore MacHales team that won five Galway Senior Club Football titles in the 1960s.
He had a lifelong involvement in the GAA, serving as President, Secretary and Treasurer of his club Dunmore MacHales, as well as fulfilling many other roles in the club as both player and administrator over a long and distinguished career.
On behalf of Galway GAA, we express our deepest sympathies to his wife Eileen, daughter Mary, sons Henry, Francis, Thomas and Brian, in-laws, grandchildren, his sisters Mary, Evelyn and Sheila, his brother John and extended family.
He will be sadly missed by his family, friends and the whole Galway GAA community.
Funeral details as follows: https://rip.ie/death-notice/thomas-tommy-keenan-galway-dunmore-592863
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
Match Tickets are now on Sale online and in selected Centra and SuperValu stores.
Buy Tickets Online: https://am.ticketmaster.com/gaa/connachtsfc25
Following our opening round away in New York, our Senior Footballers welcome Roscommon to Pearse Stadium on Sunday for the Connacht Senior Football Championship Semi-Final
GALWAY V ROSCOMMON
📍Pearse Stadium
🗓️Sunday 20th April
🕓4.00PM
📺RTE
Match Tickets on Sale and in Centra and SuperValu Stores
https://www.ticketmaster.ie/event/1800628B99E42BE8
Important Match Day Information for all supporters travelling to Pearse Stadium
The Connacht Senior Football Championship semi-final between Galway and Roscommon will take place in Pearse Stadium at 4pm on Sunday, 20th April, 2025.
With up to 15,000 people expected to attend the match, there will be increased traffic on approach roads to Galway and in the Salthill area.
Supporters are urged to arrive early in order to avoid traffic congestion and potential delays entering Pearse Stadium. Gates will open at 2.30pm.
Supporters travelling by car are advised to use the carparks in Salthill or the city centre and continue to the stadium on foot or by public transport. Coláiste Éinde (St Enda’s College) on Threadneedle Road will be open for parking.
Motorists are reminded to park legally and responsibly.
Beidh cluiche leathcheannais Chraobh Shinsir Peile Chonnacht idir Gaillimh agus Ros Comáin ar siúl i Staid an Phiarsaigh ag 4pm Dé Domhnaigh, 20 Aibreán, 2025.
Agus suas le 15,000 duine ag súil le freastal ar an gcluiche, beidh méadú ar an trácht ar na bóithre isteach go Gaillimh agus i gceantar Bhóthar na Trá.
Moltar do lucht tacaíochta teacht go luath chun plódú tráchta agus moilleanna ionchasacha ag dul isteach i Staid an Phiarsaigh a sheachaint. Osclófar geataí ag 2.30pm.
Moltar do lucht tacaíochta atá ag taisteal i gcarr na carrchlóis i mBóthar na Trá nó lár na cathrach a úsáid agus leanúint ar aghaidh go dtí an staidiam ar shiúlóid nó ar iompar poiblí. Beidh Coláiste Éinde ar Bhóthar na Mine ar oscailt do pháirceáil.
Meabhraítear do thiománaithe páirceáil go dleathach agus go freagrach.
Our Senior Footballers get their Connacht championship campaign underway with a trip to New York to face the local side in Gaelic Park, New York.
The squad for the game is announced below,
Game is live streamed on GAA+ https://www.gaaplus.ie/
We will also have live score updates on our X feed via WhatstheScor App.
Match Commentary on Galway Bay FM Radio.
Best of luck to our Senior Footballers & Team Management as the Connacht SF Championship gets underway!
#riseofthetribes
#gaillimhabú
