All-Ireland SFC Group Four

Galway 2-22 (2-2-18) Armagh 0-27 (0-4-19)

By Cian O’Connell at Kingspan Breffni

The drama. It just seems to be guaranteed when Galway and Armagh meet. This was the latest addition to the story as Galway staged a remarkable comeback mission in Cavan.

Shane Walsh’s free at the end of an absorbing capped a terrific Galwegian revival. As the white flag was being raised, Padraic Joyce shook hands with his pal, Kieran McGeeney. Undoubtedly, Galway’s need was greater, but Armagh played their part in another thriller involving the counties.

Trailing by nine points at one stage in the opening period, Galway were in deep distress. It was a half in which Galway registered 0-1 from two penalty attempts.

Armagh had commenced the match with admirable determination and dynamism. The running power in Kieran McGeeney’s panel was causing Galway significant problems.

That Armagh had a string of footballers capable of drilling scores from deep was another key factor. Two pointers were slotted impressively. At that stage, Galway were simply hanging on in there.

Seán Fitzgerald was doughty at full-back when Galway were ailing. Armagh were demonstrating their considerable class.

Goalkeeper Ethan Rafferty rifled over a gorgeous two pointer. Rian O’Neill and Peter McGrane added further scores to guide Armagh four clear.

Then, Rafferty saved a ninth minute penalty from Matthew Tierney. Walsh replied with a couple of nice scores from play for Galway, but Armagh were relishing the exchanges.

A burst from the All-Ireland champions, featuring a sweet two pointer from Niall Grimley edged them 0-9 to 0-2 ahead.

Peter Cooke responded for Galway with a similarly impressive effort from range, but Armagh were dictating the agenda.

Armagh’s cushion was 0-12 to 0-4 when a second Galway penalty culminated with Finnerty rifling the ball over the bar.

McGeeney’s charges continued to probe and when Rafferty nailed a two pointer free they were nine to the good. When the hooter sounded, Galway crafted one more chance for Walsh, who converted. So, it was 0-15 to 0-7 in favour of Armagh at the turnaround.

The Galway riposte was passionate and purposeful. Aware that their Championship was on the line, Galway thundered back into the reckoning.

Cooke and the splendid Cillian McDaid narrowed the deficit before John Maher palmed a tonic 39th minute goal. Finnerty, assuming responsibility, and Dylan McHugh were heavily involved in the build-up.

Suddenly, Galway acquired belief. When Walsh clipped over a point the gap was down to two. Game on.

There was a real tempo to the match now. Armagh led 0-17 to 1-12 following a point from Ross McQuillan, who was prominent throughout.

Walsh levelled from a two point free. Finnerty and McDaid quickly added points for Galway, but then Armagh enjoyed a brilliant flurry.

Five points on the spin from McQuillan, Cian McConville, Rafferty, Tieran Kelly, and Jarly Óg Burns altered the complexion once more.

Galway stayed cool. Substitute Cathal Sweeney curled over a point prior to supplying the pass for his Salthill-Knocknacarra colleague Rob Finnerty, who netted a 57th minute goal.

Joyce’s battling outfit were ahead by the slimmest of margins, 2-17 to 0-22. From then until the finish it remained intense.

Galway were 2-20 to 0-24 in the ascendancy when Rafferty landed a 66th minute free. Parity restored. Again.

Walsh manufactured sufficient space to squeeze Galway in front. Armagh substitute Shane McPartlan levelled.

The hooter sounded and following a foul on Galway’s instrumental substitute, Paul Conroy, Walsh struck over the free. Galway’s name will be in the bowl on Monday morning. It was all that counted.

Scorers for Galway: Shane Walsh 0-9 (1 2ptf, 1f), Rob Finnerty 1-4 (0-1 pen), John Maher 1-0, Peter Cooke 0-3 (1 2pt), Cillian McDaid 0-2, Céin D’Arcy, Matthew Tierney, Paul Conroy, Cathal Sweeney 0-1 each.

Scorers for Armagh: Ethan Rafferty 0-7 (2 2ptfs), Niall Grimley (1 2pt), Cian McConville, and Ross McQuillan 0-3 each, Darragh McMullan 0-2 (2pt), Peter McGrane, Tiernan Kelly, Jarly Óg Burns, Rian O’Neill, Andrew Murnin, Jason Duffy, Stefan Campbell, Shane McPartlan, and Conor Turbitt 0-1 each.

Galway: Conor Flaherty; Cillian McDaid, Seán Fitzgerald, Johnny McGrath; Jack Glynn, Seán Kelly, Dylan McHugh; John Maher, Peter Cooke; Liam Silke, Matthew Thompson, Céin D’Arcy; Rob Finnerty, Shane Walsh, Matthew Tierney.

Subs: Paul Conroy for Tierney (34), Daniel O’Flaherty for Silke (HT), Cian Hernon for Fitzgerald (47), Cathal Sweeney for McHugh (54), Matthew Tierney for Cooke (59), Johnny Heaney for McDaid (68).

Armagh: Ethan Rafferty; Peter McGrane, Barry McCambridge, Paddy Burns; Ross McQuillan, Tiernan Kelly, Jarly Óg Burns; Niall Grimley, Joe McElroy; Cian McConville, Jason Duffy, Darragh McMullan; Conor Turbitt, Andrew Murnin, Rian O’Neill.

Subs: Tomas McCormack for McCambridge (20), Greg McCabe for P Burns (HT), Stefan Campbell for Duffy (54), Connaire Mackin for Grimley (59), Oisín Conaty for McMullan (63), Shane McPartlan for McConville (65).

Referee: Noel Mooney (Cavan).