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).
