Football – Page 8 – Galway GAA

Electric Ireland All-Ireland MFC: Galway secure victory

8 July 2022/in Football

Electric Ireland All-Ireland Minor Football Championship Final – GALWAY 0-15 MAYO 0-9

There were plenty of aspects to tonight’s Electric Ireland All-Ireland minor football final that were either unusual or unprecedented, including the Friday night setting, the All-Connacht pairing, and of course the fact that one of the two teams – Galway – went into the game having already lost three championship games in 2022.

Two of those defeats came at the hands of Mayo, but Alan Glynn’s side clearly learned all the right lessons from those defeats as they produced arguably their best display of the year tonight, controlling possession and dominating defensively, despite taking on what was comfortably the best attacking team in this championship, averaging 19 points per game before tonight.

The transformation in Galway’s fortunes stemmed from two key areas – their control of the turnover battle, particularly in their own backline, and Kyle Gilmore’s impeccable restarts. Facing into the breeze in the first half, with Mayo choosing to go man for man, the Cortoon Shamrocks player was able to repeatedly pick out a colleague moving into space and put the ball exactly where it needed to go. That gave the Tribesmen front foot ball, which they were usually able to work into a scoring position. Even if the end result wasn’t necessarily a white or green flag, it meant that Mayo spent large chunks of the first half chasing the ball, when they need to try and accumulate a lead.

Consequently, Galway were by far the happier team at half-time, with a two-point lead banked at the end of 31 minutes playing into a deceptively strong wind. Though they were clearly the better team in the second half too, they had far more leeway than the scoreboard might suggest at first glance, given that most of Mayo’s six first half points were scores from distance, and that was never going to be an option when they turned around to shoot into the town end goal.

After a fast start that featured three missed goal chances but no scores – the highlight Kyle Gilmore’s superb stop to deny Niall Hurley – Éanna Monaghan finally got the scoring underway with a free after six minutes.

After getting off the mark through a Cathal Keaveney free in the tenth minute, Mayo had the better of the next ten, and edged in front by 0-5 to 0-4. James Maheady led the way with three glorious points from distance, including one off each foot, but even then, it wasn’t the traditional spell of suffocating Mayo dominance, where the opposition is unable to get any kind of foothold.

Galway kept in touch, they continued to control the ball for at least 50% of the time and usually more, and they were quickly back on terms through Fionn O’Connor.

That was to be the first point of four in succession, including a highlight reel score from Stephen Curley that came from an inch-perfect Gilmore kickout, and while Colm McHale pulled one back for Mayo before half-time, it was still plain to see that Seán Deane’s side needed the faster start once Niall Cullen got the second 30 minutes underway.

Instead Shay McGlinchey and Colm Costello (twice) kicked points for Galway, the last of the three a goal chance that fizzed over David Dolan’s crossbar when a simple handpass across the goal would have left Stephen Curley with a tap in goal.

Trailing by five with a little over 20 minutes to play, the mountain that Mayo had to climb looked steep indeed, but whether it’s minor or senior, that type of challenge seems to bring out the best in them.

Seán Dean’s side duly made a surge, drawing their supporters into the game as they did so. Ronan Clarke kicked two sublime scores, they began to get on top at midfield, and at one stage it looked like Galway were feeling the pressure, with all 15 maroon jerseys back inside their own 45 a couple of seconds before the latter of Clarke’s points.

Crucially however, this strong spell never really told on the scoreboard as much as Mayo needed. There were the big moments, but not necessarily the payoff; such as a fantastic steal and turnover from Jack Keane that set up a Mayo attack, only for it to end with the ball creeping an inch or two too far ahead of Paul Gilmore, just when it looked as if the goal was opening up for the wing back.

Galway’s ball control held firm, their talisman and joint captain Éanna Monaghan dropped into a deeper role and while he didn’t add to his four first half points, he played a fantastic playmaker role, linking up the play and helping to generate the chances that saw Stephen Curley, Charlie Cox and Colm Costello kick the game-clinching scores in the final quarter.

Scorers for Galway: Colm Costello 0-5 (0-2f), Éanna Monaghan 0-4 (0-3f), Stephen Curley 0-2, Fionn O’Connor 0-1, Shay McGlinchey 0-1, Cillian Trayers 0-1, Charlie Cox 0-1.

Scorers for Mayo: Ronan Clarke 0-4 (0-2f), James Maheady 0-3, Cathal Keaveney 0-1f, Colm McHale 0-1.

Galway: Kyle Gilmore; Vinny Gill, Ryan Flaherty Tomás Farthing; Mark Mannion, Cillian Trayers, Ross Coen; Jack Lonergan, Shay McGlinchey; Owen Morgan, Éanna Monaghan, Seán Dunne; Stephen Curley, Fionn O’Connor, Colm Costello.

Subs: Charlie Cox for O’Connor (44), Olan Kelly for Dunne (52), Pádraig McNeela for Mannion (56), Luke Carr for Curley (59), Cian Dolan for Costello (60+1).

Mayo: David Dolan; Colm McHale, John McMonagle, Lorcan Silke; Liam Maloney, Rio Mortimer, Paul Gilmore; Jack Keane, Luke Feeney; James Maheady, Dara Hurley, Diarmuid Duffy; Cathal Keaveney, Ronan Clarke, Niall Hurley.

Subs: Oliver Armstrong for D Hurley (40), Zac Collins for Keaveney (53), Oisín Cronin for Maheady (57), Dylan Gallagher for Keane (59), Seán O’Dowd for Feeney (60+4).

Referee: Niall Cullen (Fermanagh)

by Kevin Egan at Dr. Hyde Park

All-Ireland SFC Q-Final: Galway defeat Armagh on penalties

26 June 2022/in Football

All-Ireland SFC quarter-final

GALWAY 2-21 ARMAGH 3-18 (AET) Galway win 4-1 on penalties

By Paul Keane at Croke Park

An All-Ireland SFC quarter-final encounter for the ages was decided in historic fashion, Galway digging so deep to overcome Armagh on penalties.

Successful spot kicks from Shane Walsh, Damien Comer, Robert Finnety and Matthew Tierney, compared to just one conversion from three Armagh attempts, ultimately secured victory for the Connacht champions.

But it was an encounter with more angles than the most complex of trigonometry lessons and it will take some time for both camps to get their heads around just what unfolded at Croke Park.

Galway should have sealed the deal, and a semi-final clash with Derry on July 9, within regular time as they were six points clear with 72 minutes on the clock.

But two stoppage time Armagh goals from Aidan Nugent and Conor Turbitt, and then a levelling point from Rian O’Neill in the 80th minute, forced extra-time at 2-14 to 1-17.

A melee as the players left the field resulted in straight red cards for Galway captain Sean Kelly and Armagh’s Nugent. It was Armagh’s second dismissal of the day as Greg McCabe was sent off in the 62nd minute.

There were more goals in extra-time, Rory Grugan punching in for Armagh and Cillian McDaid responding in kind, the Galway man then nailing a 91st minute point to tie the game up yet again and force penalties.

It was the first ever SFC game in the All-Ireland series, and the first at Croke Park, to be decided by penalties.

The tactical battles throughout were fascinating. Armagh chose to largely keep Nugent and O’Neill close to goal in a two man full-forward line. Former Galway U-20 star Jack Glynn picked up Nugent and captain Kelly tracked O’Neill.

Jason Duffy, wearing number 15, dropped out to play a deeper role while Stefan Campbell, nominally a half-forward, spent much of his time shoring up the Armagh midfield.

Matthew Tierney of Galway scores the winning penalty in the penalty shoot-out of the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Quarter-Final match between Armagh and Galway at Croke Park, Dublin.

Walsh, fresh from tormenting Roscommon and shooting 1-6 in the Connacht final, had Crossmaglen’s James Morgan for company all afternoon while powerhouse Galway full-forward Comer was marked by Aidan Forker.

Armagh will probably look back on the opening half and wonder how exactly they only broke even at 0-7 apiece.

They led 0-4 to 0-1 after the opening quarter and were still three points to the good approaching the half hour mark, 0-7 to 0-4.

Galway anticipated that the Orchard would try to punish them with long, early deliveries into the danger area but knowing what was coming, and being able to prevent it from happening, are two different things entirely.

Galway were helpless, for example, when Nugent seized possession from a long kick pass up through the centre in the seventh minute and laid off to O’Neill to snipe Armagh’s opening point.

O’Neill was the provider with a 25-metre kick pass for Rory Grugan’s first point in the 11th minute, moving Armagh 0-3 to 0-1 ahead.

Armagh’s next score summed up what they are all about, goalkeeper Ethan Raffery driving a long, low kick-out straight up the centre to set Armagh on the attack. Two passes later, they had the ball over the bar and Nugent was wheeling away in satisfaction.

A Jarlath Og Burns score came from a similar strategy, Conor O’Neill this time booting long to O’Neill who fed the marauding half-back.

Galway were living off scraps at the other end and stayed just about in the game with points from Comer, Matthew Tierney, McDaid and Rob Finnerty.

But as they got to grips with Armagh and began to cut out the long deliveries, they started to impose themselves on the game.

Walsh and Dylan McHugh both won frees following fouls by Morgan which Walsh converted and when Tierney added another score just before the break, the sides were back on level terms.

It flattered Galway a little as they were largely restricted to shots from distance though with Comer and Walsh they possessed a clear and present danger at all times. Galway twice tested the waters with long, diagonal balls towards Comer. Neither paid off though Comer did fist just wide with the first opportunity, ensuring Armagh were always alive to the threat.

The second-half, for the most part, was all about Galway and their ability to get on top of Armagh and put themselves into a winning position.

Johnny Heaney’s 41st minute goal put the 2001 All-Ireland champions 1-8 to 0-8 ahead and a Walsh point shortly after opened up a significant four-point lead.

Armagh, more ragged now, found themselves under real pressure and with centre-back McCabe shown a straight red card for a huge hit on Tierney, Galway were able to open up a six-point lead.

It remained that way in the 72nd minute but when referee David Coldrick announced eight minutes of additional time, opportunity knocked for Armagh.

They took full advantage with goals from Nugent and substitute Turbitt making it a one-point game before Campbell won a free way out on the left wing and split the posts to send the game to extra-time at 1-17 to 2-14.

The drama continued with a goal for either side and ultimately the penalties. Truly historic stuff.

Galway scorers: Shane Walsh 0-6 (0-5f), Cillian McDaid 1-2, Robert Finnerty 0-4, Johnny Heaney 1-0, Damien Comer 0-3, Matthew Tierney 0-2, Patrick Kelly 0-1, Finnian O Laoi 0-1, Kieran Molloy 0-1, Paul Conroy 0-1.

Armagh scorers: Rory Grugan 1-3 (0-2f), Aidan Nugent 1-2 (0-1m), Conor Turbitt 1-1, Rian O’Neill 0-4 (0-3f), Stefan Campbell 0-3, Jarlath Og Burns 0-1, Conor O’Neill 0-1, Eoin Woods 0-1, Jemar Hall 0-1, Justin Kieran 0-1.

Galway: Conor Gleeson; Liam Silke, Sean Kelly, Jack Glynn; Dylan McHugh, John Daly, Kieran Molloy; Paul Conroy, Cillian McDaid; Patrick Kelly, Matthew Tierney, Johnny Heaney; Robert Finnerty, Damien Comer, Shane Walsh.

Subs: Finnian O Laoi for McDaid 49-54 blood, O Laoi for Tierney 62-69 blood, O Laoi for Patrick Kelly 69, Niall Daly for Finnerty 74, Owen Gallagher for Walsh 79. Billy Mannion for Sean Kelly (red card) e/t, Walsh for Gallagher e/t, Finnerty for Daly e/t. Gallagher for Heaney 83, James Foley for Silke 84.

Armagh: Ethan Rafferty; James Morgan, Aidan Forker, Aaron McKay; Stephen Sheridan, Greg McCabe, Jarlath Og Burns; Ben Crealey, Stefan Campbell; Conor O’Neill, Andrew Murnin, Jason Duffy; Aidan Nugent, Rian O’Neill, Rory Grugan.

Subs: Connaire Mackin for Sheridan 43, Conor Turbitt for Murnin 43, Ciaran Mackin for McKay 55, Eoin Woods for Duffy 68, Justin Kieran for Burns 68. Niall Rowland for McCabe (red card) e/t, Burns for Nugent (red card) e/t, Mark Shields for Forker 75, Jemar Hall for Grugan 83, Duffy for Crealey 85, Ciaran Higgins for McKay 90.

Referee: David Coldrick (Meath).

Electric Ireland MFC Semi-Final – Galway 2-9 Derry 1-11

25 June 2022/in Football, Uncategorised

They needed to withstand a driving finish from Derry but Galway held on to reach their fourth All-Ireland Minor Football Championship final in seven seasons after a thrilling finale in Donnycarney.

Goals in either half from Jack Lonergan and Colm Costello placed a sizeable down payment on victory and with Costello and Éanna Monaghan, their standout forwards, kicking 1-8 between them, Alan Glynn’s side built a 2-9 to 1-5 lead by the 50th minute.

The Oak Leaf County lost wing-forward Johnny McGuckian following a second yellow card offence in the 57th minute but summoned a stirring fightback to kick the closing six points before coming up just short.

The Tribesmen never trailed over the hour and made a perfect start when clever approach work from Tomás Farthing was followed by a superb finish from Lonergan for a fourth minute goal.

Four of the next five points also belonged to the Connacht runners-up with Costello (two), Monaghan and Shay McGlinchey all on target.

Derry’s sole reply came courtesy of top scorer Ciarán Chambers and their chances received a major double boost before the break. First, Eoin Higgins blasted past Kyle Gilmore for a 29th minute goal and then Galway lost McGlinchey to a black card.

Rather than act as a turning point, Galway were galvanised and stretched their lead from 1-4 to 1-1 at the break to 2-5 to 1-1 despite operating with 14 men. Their crucial second goal came when Cillian Trayers found Costello and the Dunmore MacHales forward cut in from the left flank before finishing in fine style.

The excellent Ruairí Forbes, Chambers and Higgins were all on target for Derry but with Monaghan kicking back-to-back scores, Galway remained in control and held a seven-point lead on 50 minutes.

It was a day when Galway defenders came up with several magnificent goal-saving interventions, Vinny Gill in the second half following what Trayers had brilliantly managed in the first.

Derry refused to go away, though, and a storming finish delivered points from McGuckian, sub Conor Downey, Cahir Spiers and three further Chambers efforts. ‘Keeper Ben O’Connor also joined their attack to good effect and despite losing McGuckian, the 2020 champions kept pouring forward.

It was backs to the wall in the closing stages from a Galway perspective but they held out with Antain Donnelly’s last-gasp attempt at an equaliser tailing just wide.

Scorers for Galway: Colm Costello 1-4 (2f), Éanna Monaghan 0-4, Jack Lonergan 1-0, Shay McGlinchey 0-1.

Scorers for Derry: Ciarán Chambers 0-6 (4f), Eoin Higgins 1-1 (1f), Ruairí Forbes, Johnny McGuckian, Cahair Spiers, Conor Downey 0-1 each.

Galway: Kyle Gilmore; Tomás Farthing, Ryan Flaherty, Vinny Gill; Mark Mannion, Cillian Trayers, Ross Coen; Jack Lonergan (joint-captain), Shay McGlinchey; Sean Dunne, Éanna Monaghan (joint-captain), Owen Morgan; Colm Costello, Fionn O’Connor, Stephen Curley.

Subs: Olan Kelly for Dunne (48), James Summerville for O’Connor (57), Charlie Cox for Curley (58), Adam Colleran for Flaherty (60), Padraic McNeela for Coen (60+2).

Derry: Ben O’Connor; Fionn McEldowney, Eoin Scullion, Danny McDermott; James Murray, Odhran Crozier, Shea Birt; Dara McPeake, Ruairi Forbes (captain); Johnny McGuckian, Conal Higgins, Cahir Spiers; Eoin Higgins, Ciarán Chambers, Odhran Murphy.

Subs: Conor Downey for Conal Higgins (39), Antain Donnelly for Scullion (41), Dara McGurk for Birt (52), Joe Dillon for Murphy (53).

Referee: Seán Laverty (Antrim).

By Billy Coss at Parnell Park

Galway v Armagh All Ireland Senior Football QF – Ticket Details

21 June 2022/in Football, Uncategorised

All the latest details for the upcoming Quarter Final v Armagh

It is expected to be a sell out so don’t delay in purchasing

Ticketmaster link is here

Galway v Derry All Ireland Minor Football SF

20 June 2022/in Football, Uncategorised

Match Tickets on sale, click here

2022 GAA Football All-Ireland Series launched

1 June 2022/in Football, Uncategorised

Michael McKernan of All-Ireland Champions Tyrone and Ard Stiúrthóir of the GAA Tom Ryan with the Sam Maguire Cup and footballers, from left, Niall Scully of Dublin, Christopher McKaigue of Derry, Shane Walsh of Galway and Paudie Clifford of Kerry during the launch of the GAA Football All Ireland Senior Championship Series in Dublin.

Following the completion of the four provincial football championships last weekend, representatives of defending All-Ireland champions Tyrone and the four 2022 provincial champions Kerry, Dublin, Galway and Derry were in Croke Park as the race for the Sam Maguire hots up in the weeks ahead.

In attendance were Michael McKernan (Tyrone), Paudie Clifford (Kerry), Niall Scully (Dublin), Shane Walsh (Galway) and Chrissy McKaigue (Derry).

Next weekend sees the first round of the qualifiers. Holders Tyrone must travel to take on their Ulster rivals Armagh, Cork host Louth, Monaghan travel to Mayo and Clare host Meath in four eagerly awaited ties involving teams eager for their shot at qualifier redemption.

The second round is scheduled for the following weekend and the quarter-finals will take place on the weekend of June 25/26.

In keeping with recent seasons, the two semi-finals will take place on back-to-back days at Croke Park on the weekend of July 9/10 with the Tailteann Cup final also scheduled for Saturday July 9.

The quarter-finals will be an open draw subject to avoidance of repeat pairings. This year’s semi-final draw pairs Connacht with Ulster and Leinster with Munster – or the teams that beat the provincial champions at the quarter-final stage.

GAA Director General Tom Ryan said: “2022 has already been an exciting year for Gaelic football and by extension the GAA with exciting provincial championships.

“Similarly, the inaugural Tailteann Cup is underway and has already provided counties with competitive games against teams of a similar standard on a pathway to Croke Park and a possible route back into the Sam Maguire championship next year.

“Tyrone’s run to the All-Ireland title last year captivated us all and they are the team to topple this year.

“I wish all of our players enjoyment and success in the weeks ahead – not least those here with us today – and I especially hope that our members and supporters look forward to returning in even larger numbers this year for the concluding stages of our championships.

“I wish to thank our sponsors in Supervalu, Eir and AIB for their support and for helping us to promote a competition which holds an iconic place in Irish sport, and I look forward to the colour and excitement that will build in the weeks to come.”

GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship

Remaining fixtures

June 4/5

GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Round One

*June 11/12 *

GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Round Two

*June 25/26 *

GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Quarter-finals

*July 9/10 *

GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Semi-finals – Croke Park

*July 24 *

GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Final – Croke Park

Connacht Minor Football Final: Galway v Mayo

31 May 2022/in Football, Uncategorised

Match Tickets are on Sale click here

Connacht SFC Final: Impressive Galway triumph

30 May 2022/in Football, Uncategorised

Connacht Senior Football Championship Final

Galway 2-19 Roscommon 2-16

By Cian O’Connell at Pearse Stadium

This was an utterly satisfying afternoon in Salthill for Galway.

Roscommon brought hope, expectation, and a significant support Corribside, but Galway were convincing winners.

There was plenty to enthuse about Galway’s performance.

John Daly’s shrewd defensive display and the attacking punch provided by Shane Walsh, Damien Comer, and Rob Finnerty ensured Padraic Joyce’s impressive Galway returned to the western summit.

A couple of late Roscommon goals narrowed the gap, but this day belonged to a promising maroon and white team.

Roscommon weren’t efficient enough in the opening period as Galway eventually went in 2-7 to 0-8 ahead at the interval.

That was chiefly due to two goals – a flash of Shane Walsh class and smooth opportunism from Patrick Kelly.

It was a lively encounter from the outset, but Galway made a crucial burst midway through the half yielding 1-3 without reply.

By that stage Ros led 0-4 to 0-3 before Cillian McDaid poked over a delightful equalising point.

Then the influential Damien Comer, Rob Finnerty, and Johnny Heaney were involved crafting an 18th minute chance for Walsh, who illustrated his ability with a splendid goal.

Further points from Kieran Molloy and Finnerty followed as Galway edged 1-6 to 0-4 in front.

As the interval approached and with Molloy black carded for a foul on Ciaráin Murtagh, Galway still managed to net a second major in the 34th minute.

Finnerty’s initial attempt struck the post and Kelly, a renowned goalscorer for Mountbellew-Moylough, pounced to blast a tonic second goal that moved Galway 2-7 to 0-7 clear.

Ultan Harney, who was industrious throughout, replied with a point for Roscommon, but Galway still departed armed with a five point cushion at the turnaround.

Early efforts from Heaney and Comer, who won a turnover deep in his own half, before adding the grace note with a 39th minute point.

Another Galway burst when Comer, Finnerty, and Walsh raised white flags put the locals 2-15 to 0-12 ahead with 15 minutes remaining.

Despite being under duress Roscommon did stay defiant with Conor Daly palming a 63rd minute goal.

Substitute Diarmuid Murtagh added a second goal in the seventh minute of stoppage time, but by then sufficient Galwegian damage had been inflicted.

Scorers for Galway: Shane Walsh 1-6 (1f, 245s), Rob Finnerty 0-5, Patrick Kelly 1-0, Damien Comer 0-3, Johnny Heaney 0-2, Kieran Molloy, Cillian McDaid, and Paul Conroy 0-1 each.

Scorers for Roscommon: Conor Cox 0-5 (3fs), Conor Daly and Diarmuid Murtagh (1f) 1-1 each, Ultan Harney 0-3, Donie Smith 0-2 (1f), Ciaráin Murtagh, Cian McKeon, Cathal Heneghan, and Enda Smith 0-1 each.

Galway: Connor Gleeson; Liam Silke, Seán Kelly, Jack Glynn; Dylan McHugh, John Daly, Cillian McDaid; Paul Conroy, Matthew Tierney; Kieran Molloy, Patrick Kelly, Johnny Heaney; Rob Finnerty, Damien Comer, Shane Walsh.

Roscommon: Colm Lavin; David Murray, Brian Stack, Conor Daly; Conor Hussey, Niall Daly, Ronan Daly; Ultan Harney, Eddie Nolan; Ciaráin Murtagh, Enda Smith, Cathal Heneghan; Cian McKeon, Donie Smith, Conor Cox.

Referee: Joe McQuillan (Cavan).