Galway keep Tyrone at arm’s length in fiery affair

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Galway 0-16 Tyrone 0-13 

Half an hour before throw-in, sunny Salthill lost its sun. The heavens opened. Those tanning on the terraces scattered for shelter. Galway and Tyrone players warming up out on the field went rooting for gloves and a change of footwear.

Neither team had bargained for such unseasonal weather. Tyrone certainly hadn’t bargained to find themselves operating with just 13 men 25 minutes into the first half.

The first casualty of this early evening All-Ireland group phase fixture was Frank Burns. The Tyrone half-forward was shown a straight red by referee David Gough for a head-high challenge on Jack Glynn 20 minutes in.

Galway corner-back Glynn was the second casualty of the evening. He followed Burns out to the sideline, white bandaging pressed against his jaw. Rushed in as his replacement was Cathal Sweeney.

Paul Conroy pointed shortly after to move the hosts 0-6 to 0-3 in front. A few minutes further on again and Galway found themselves three up on the scoreboard and two bodies up inside the whitewash. The card flashed by Gough on this occasion was black, Tyrone ‘keeper Niall Morgan told to take a 10-minute timeout for verbal dissent.

A number 16 shirt was quickly ferried out to Peter Harte who took on the role of fly-keeper while Morgan was in the bin.

Galway, with the wind at their backs, were slow to make use of their 15 v 13 advantage. Peter Cooke’s 33rd-minute point, after slick build-up play by Johnny McGrath and the busy Cillian McDaid, was their sole score during the 10 minutes where they had a two-person advantage.

Indeed, when Darren McCurry swung over a free in the fifth and final minute of first-half stoppages, a massively disruptive opening period for Tyrone had ended with them only three adrift.

They might even have been closer but for Galway ‘keeper Connor Gleeson saving very well from Joe Oguz early on. It was the only real goal chance of the half.

Galway did nothing special to bag maximum points in this opening group game of the All-Ireland series. What they did do well was to at all times keep Tyrone at arm’s reach post the Burns sending off.

The northerners only once succeeded in narrowing the gap to the minimum in the second half. And when they did, after a Darragh Canavan free on 47 minutes, Galway issued the promptest of replies. McDaid was fouled, Walsh converted. In essence, Galway had an answer each time Tyrone thought they might be stumbling onto a bit of momentum or a string of scores.

The gap stood at two on four occasions across the final 25 minutes. Matthew Tierney, Paul Conroy, off the left, McDaid, and sub Rob Finnerty, with the fist, all raised white flags to keep Joyce’s side safe, if not home, out of the rain, and dry.

Another key settling score was that provided by Damien Comer on 67 minutes. Comer had been well tagged by Pádraig Hampsey throughout but made enough room for himself on the stand side to curl over.

Three down, Tyrone went chasing a green flag during the five minutes of injury-time. The rain and high balls poured down inside the Galway 13-metre line. The hosts dealt with each and every hopeful aerial assault. A Darren McCurry converted free was all they managed.

McCurry accounted for just over half their total, five of his seven from the dead ball. The visitors did not score from play from the 12th minute of the first half to the third minute of the second. They didn’t score from play from the hour mark to the finish.

A home fixture against Armagh is next up for them in a fortnight. Even if they lose there and suffer a third-consecutive championship defeat of 2023, this group of life won’t have them in any trouble of elimination.

For Galway, a third championship win on the bounce. They’ll be confident of extending that to four against Westmeath.

Scorers for Galway: S Walsh (0-6, 0-4 frees); C McDaid, P Conroy, P Cooke (0-2 each); M Tierney, J Heaney, D Comer, R Finnerty (0-1 each).

Scorers for Tyrone: D McCurry (0-7, 0-5 frees); D Canavan (0-2, 0-2 frees); C Meyler, C Quinn, P Harte, M Donnelly (0-1 each).

Galway: C Gleeson; J McGrath, S Kelly, J Glynn; D McHugh, J Daly, C McDaid; P Conroy, J Maher; P Cooke, J Heaney, M Tierney; I Burke, D Comer, S Walsh.

Subs: C Sweeney for Glynn (20 mins, inj); R Finnerty for McHugh (38 mins); T Culhane for Burke (HT); C Hernon for Maher (50).

Tyrone: N Morgan; M McKernan, P Hampsey, R McNamee; C Meyler, C Quinn, P Harte; B Kennedy, C Kilpatrick; J Oguz, M O’Neill, F Burns; D Canavan, M Donnelly, D McCurry.

Subs: S O’Donnell for Oguz (51); N Devlin for O’Neill (57); K McGeary for O’Donnell (temporary, 58-60); M McGleenan for McNamee (66); R Canavan for D Canavan (71).

Referee: D Gough (Meath).

Connacht SFC Final: Galway retain title

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Connacht Senior Football Championship Final

Galway 2-20 Sligo 0-12

By Cian O’Connell at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park

Prompted by the splendid Matthew Tierney, Galway collected a 49th Connacht SFC title in Castlebar.

Tierney, who finished with a 2-7 haul, planted a couple of goals in the first half as Galway dictated the agenda.

A Pearse Stadium encounter against Tyrone now beckons for Pádraic Joyce’s evolving team. It promises to be an interesting and revealing encounter.

Cool and clinical, Galway were slick in the opening period registering 2-7 from 10 scoring attempts.

Despite a bright start Sligo just couldn’t deal with the favourites, who subsequently reeled off 1-4 without reply.

The underdogs snapped into the contest edging 0-3 to 0-1 ahead after five minutes with Pat Spillane, Seán Carrabine (free), and Darragh Cummins contributing points.

Galway, though, with Cillian McDaid and Dylan McHugh eager to attack from deep, responded.

An Ian Burke point was quickly followed by a 10th minute Matthew Tierney goal as Galway seized the initiative.

McDaid, Shane Walsh (free), and Tierney added points ensuring Galway were 1-5 to 0-3 ahead at the end of the first quarter.

Niall Murphy landed a 45 for Sligo, but once again Galway were unperturbed. Damien Comer forced a turnover which eventually culminated in a second Tierney goal in the 23rd minute.

By the time the interval rolled around Galway’s advantage was a healthy 2-7 to 0-5.

After the restart Galway remained very much in the ascendancy. Tierney was a constant threat, while busy substitute Cathal Sweeney was also prominent.

At the opposite end of the field Niall Murphy and Carrabine clipped scores for Sligo, but Galway were dominant.

Johnny Heaney dashed about craving involvement, while also landing two fine points from play.

It was the first time Galway retained the Nestor Cup since 2003. Now the maroon and white outfit will be especially eager to make an impact on the national stage.

Scorers for Galway: Matthew Tierney 2-7 (1f, 145), Cathal Sweeney, Johnny Heaney, Ian Burke, and Shane Walsh (2fs) 0-2 each, Dylan McHugh, Cillian McDaid, Peter Cooke, Seán Kelly, and Tomo Culhane 0-1 each.

Scorers for Sligo: Seán Carrabine 0-4 (2fs), Darragh Cummins and Niall Murphy (1f, 145) 0-3 each, Paul Kilcoyne and Pat Spillane 0-1 each.

Galway: Connor Gleeson; Jack Glynn, Seán Kelly, Johnny McGrath; Cillian McDaid, John Daly, Dylan McHugh; Peter Cooke, John Maher; Matthew Tierney, Shane Walsh, Johnny Heaney; Rob Finnerty, Damien Comer, Ian Burke.

Subs: Cathal Sweeney for Walsh (41), Dessie Conneely for Finnerty (46), Cian Hernon for McDaid (49), Tomo Culhane for Comer (60), Paul Kelly for Maher (63).

Sligo: Daniel Lyons; Eddie McGuinness, Nathan Mullen, Evan Lyons; Luke Towey, Brian Cox, Darragh Cummins; Cian Lally, Paul Kilcoyne; Finnian Cawley, Paul McNamara, Pat Spillane; Keelan Cawley, Seán Carrabine, Niall Murphy.

Subs: Mikey Gordon for K Cawley (41), Gerard O’Kelly-Lynch for Lally (49), Patrick O’Connor for Spillane (49), Mark Walsh for Cummins (53), Alan Reilly for F Cawley (65).

Referee: Brendan Cawley (Kildare).

Connacht SFC: Galway progress to provincial final

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Connacht Senior Football Championship Semi-Final

Galway 1-13 Roscommon 1-9

By Cian O’Connell at Dr Hyde Park

This was all about Galway finding a way. Dominant in the opening period Galway had sufficient craft to adequately deal with a burst of Roscommon passion after the restart.

Roscommon thundered into the match in the third quarter, but with Damien Comer providing a potent threat, Galway responded to book a Connacht SFC Final date with Sligo in Castlebar on May 7.

Prompted by a hat-trick of sweet Comer first half points, Galway retreated at the interval armed with a 0-7 to 0-3 advantage.

The home team had failed to land a score from play and Galway were dictating the terms of engagement.

Dylan McHugh, Seán Kelly, and Cathal Sweeney dashed forward impressively for Pádraic Joyce’s outfit.

Level at 0-3 each following 18 minutes Galway then reeled off four points on the spin courtesy of Sweeney, Comer (2), and the effective John Maher.

Under duress Roscommon summoned a brave reply. Ian Burke fisted Galway five clear in the 36th minute, but Roscommon were beginning to generate momentum and a bit of belief.

Ciaráin Murtagh, Conor Daly, and substitute Cian McKeon landed points trimming the gap to two before Roscommon planted a 41st minute goal.

Ben O’Carroll and Enda Smith crafted an opportunity for Ciaráin Murtagh, who converted expertly.

Suddenly the locals in the 16, 917 crowd were in full voice. Roscommon were ahead, but Galway, admirably, stayed composed.

Matthew Tierney and Ciaráin Murtagh traded scores before Galway embarked on a match winning spree of 1-3 without reply.

Tierney and Maher registered points and Comer blasted a 53rd minute major.

The Annaghdown clubman reacted smartly to gather possession after a McHugh effort struck the post.

Comer made the Roscommon net dance and Shane Walsh added a pointed free to steer Galway 1-12 to 1-7 in front.

Roscommon reduced the deficit as McKeon and Ciaráin Murtagh raised white flags, but Galway survived.

Fittingly Comer, who moments earlier had executed a brave diving block on Daire Cregg, sealed the deal with the insurance score.

Scorers for Galway: Damien Comer 1-4, John Maher, Matthew Tierney (1m), and Shane Walsh 0-2, Cathal Sweeney, Ian Burke, and Johnny Heaney 0-1 each.

Scorers for Roscommon: Ciaráin Murtagh 1-6 (3fs), Cian McKeon 0-2, Conor Daly 0-1.

Galway: Bernard Power; Johnny McGrath, Seán Kelly, Jack Glynn; Cathal Sweeney, John Daly, Dylan McHugh; Paul Conroy, John Maher; Matthew Tierney, Peter Cooke, Johnny Heaney; Ian Burke, Damien Comer, Shane Walsh.

Subs: Rob Finnerty for Heaney (61), Cillian McDaid for Cooke (67), Daniel O’Flaherty for Sweeney (70+3), Dessie Conneely for Burke (70+3).

Roscommon: Conor Carroll; Brian Stack, Conor Daly, David Murray; Niall Daly, Conor Hussey, Eoin McCormack; Enda Smith, Keith Doyle; Dylan Ruane, Ciaráin Murtagh, Ciarán Lennon; Ben O’Carroll, Diarmuid Murtagh, Donie Smith.

Subs: Cian McKeon for D Smith (HT), Conor Cox for D Murtagh (47), Cian Connolly for O’Carroll (60), Richard Hughes for N Daly (61), Daire Cregg for Ruane (66).

Referee: David Gough (Meath).

Allianz FL D1: Mayo edge out Galway

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Allianz Football League Division One Final

Mayo 0-14 Galway 0-11

By Cian O’Connell at Croke Park

This was a satisfactory afternoon at GAA headquarters for Mayo, who collected the Allianz Football League Division One title.

Under Kevin McStay’s stewardship belief and momentum is being generated with the green and red supporters enjoying another triumph over neighbours Galway.

The hard earned manner of the win augurs well ahead of what promises to be a keenly contested Connacht Senior Football Championship.

Galway will reflect on a string of missed goalscoring opportunities with Mayo custodian Colm Reape an influential figure.

Knockmore clubman Reape also nailed three points for Mayo from two long range frees and a 45.

Ultimately that was the difference between the teams with the Mayo faithful in the 45, 041 crowd saluting the victory with a throaty roar at the end of a tight game.

The opening quarter provided plenty of encouraging evidence for Mayo, who face Roscommon in the Connacht SFC next Sunday.

During that effective Mayo burst Kevin McStay’s outfit accumulated a 0-6 to 0-1 advantage.

Paddy Durcan was thundering forward impressively; Diarmuid O’Connor and Jordan Flynn craved involvement; Ryan O’Donoghue carried a threat inside.

At the opposite end of the field Mayo were restricting Galway, forcing a couple of turovers.

When Flynn rifled over a sweet 16th minute effort Mayo led by five, but Galway summoned a brave response.

Shane Walsh converted a couple of frees before landing a delcious score from play and then John Maher squeezed over a point from an acute angle in stoppage time.

Mayo, though, replied as O’Donoghue and goalkeeper Colm Reape thumped over frees to ensure Mayo led 0-8 to 0-5 at the turnaround.

Within five minutes of the restart, though, Galway had the margin back to the minimum following two points from Rob Finnerty.

From then until the finish it was a real battle with Reape making fine saves from Matthew Tierney, Damien Comer, and Peter Cooke.

Two O’Donoghue frees steered Mayo 0-11 to 0-8 ahead, but again Galway replied.

Walsh and Cooke clipped points, but then Mayo reeled off three in a row to seal the deal.

O’Donoghue thumped over two frees and the excellent Jack Coyne contributed a critical point. It was Mayo’s first score from play since Flynn’s 16th minute effort. It still was enough to edge Mayo over the line.

Galway, trailing by four, required a goal, but could only muster a point from substitute Tomo Culhane. Mayo held on.

Roscommon are next on the agenda in Castlebar. Another challenge to embrace.

Scorers for Mayo: Ryan O’Donoghue 0-7 (5fs, 2ms), Colm Reape 0-3 (2fs, 1 45) Jack Coyne, Paddy Durcan, James Carr, and Jordan Flynn 0-1 each.

Scorers for Galway: Shane Walsh 0-5 (2fs, 145), Rob Finnerty 0-2 (1m), Seán Kelly, John Maher, Peter Cooke, and Tomo Culhane 0-1 each.

Mayo: Colm Reape; David McBrien, Jack Coyne, Sam Callinan; Stephen Coen, Conor Loftus, Paddy Durcan; Mattie Ruane, Diarmuid O’Connor; Fionn McDonagh, Jack Carney, Jordan Flynn; Aidan O’Shea, James Carr, Ryan O’Donoghue.

Subs: Eoghan McLaughlin for McBrien (HT), Tommy Conroy for Carr (52), Darren McHale for McDonagh (66), Bob Tuohy for Ruane (70), Pádraig O’Hora for Coyne (70+2).

Galway: Connor Gleeson; Johnny McGrath, Seán Fitzgerald, Seán Kelly; Dylan McHugh, John Daly, Cian Hernon; Paul Conroy, John Maher; Matthew Tierney, Johnny Heaney, Peter Cooke; Cathal Sweeney, Rob Finnerty, Shane Walsh.

Subs: Damien Comer for Heaney (33), Jack Glynn for Hernon (HT), Tomo Culhane for Finnerty (62), Daniel O’Flaherty for Sweeney (65), Dessie Conneely for Conroy (70+2).

Referee: Brendan Cawley (Kildare).

Allianz FL D1: Gritty Galway earn final place

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Allianz Football League Division One

Galway 1-13 Kerry 0-14

By Cian O’Connell at Pearse Stadium

This was a satisfying afternoon for Galway, who secured a place in next weekend’s Allianz Football League Division One Final against Mayo.

Pádraic Joyce’s outfit produced a resilient and resourceful display to earn the full complement of spoils.

Galway’s efficiency in the second half was critical, converting six points from eight attempts when the issue was delicately poised.

At the opposite end of the field Galway’s full back line of Johnny McGrath, Seán Fitzgerald, and captain Seán Kelly all contributed handsomely to this success.

Kerry just weren’t sufficiently clinical as illustrated by the fact that they only registered 0-14 from 28 shots.

Galway’s industrious approach was a factor in that too which will have pleased the locals as the maroon and white prevailed.

Following a lively opening period Galway departed armed with a 1-7 to 0-7 advantage.

That was chiefly due to Paul Conroy’s fortuitous goal as the interval approached in the 33rd minute.

Conroy’s attempt for a point eventually ended crossing the line for a major which put Galway 1-7 to 0-5 ahead.

Before the break, though, Gavin White fisted a point and Seán O’Shea converted a free to leave only three between the teams.

Encouraging evidence was available early on for Galway, who accumulated a 0-6 to 0-2 lead by the 19th minute.

With Cathal Sweeney dropping deep to lend valuable assistance, John Daly operated in an effective manner, controlling affairs for Galway.

John Maher made an impact too for Galway with Kerry surprisingly wasteful in attack.

From 14 first half shots Kerry only had a 50 per cent return landing seven points, with Galway nailing 1-7 from 13.

There was a similar theme after the restart. Kelly continued to be an influential figure for Galway even when Kerry posed stern questions.

Seán O’Shea brought Kerry to within the minimum of margins, but Cathal Sweeney and substitute Damien Comer responded for Galway.

It was that sort of encounter with a 57th minute David Clifford free following an O’Shea ’45 narrowing the gap to one.

Galway replied again. Shane Walsh clipped frees either side of a splendid score from replacement Rob Finnerty which had Galway 1-13 to 0-12 in front.

Late on Bernard Power made a save to thwart Seán O’Shea, a defiant Galway weren’t going to be denied. A league decider against neighbours Mayo is next on the agenda. That is always a passionate fixture worth monitoring.

Scorers for Galway: Shane Walsh 0-5 (5fs), Paul Conroy 1-0, John Maher 0-2, Matthew Tierney, Tomo Culhane, Cathal Sweeney, John Daly, Damien Comer, and Rob Finnerty 0-1 each.

Scorers for Kerry: Seán O’Shea 0-5 (2fs, 2 45s), Barry Dan O’Sullivan, Paudie Clifford, Tom O’Sullivan, and David Clifford (2fs) 0-2 each, Gavin White 0-1.

Galway: Bernard Power; Seán Fitzgerald, Seán Kelly, Johnny McGrath; Dylan McHugh, John Daly, Cian Hernon; Paul Conroy, John Maher; Matthew Tierney, Johnny Heaney, Peter Cooke; Tomo Culhane, Cathal Sweeney, Shane Walsh.

Subs: Jack Glynn for Hernon (HT), Damien Comer for Culhane (42), Rob Finnerty for Maher (54), Daniel O’Flaherty for Heaney (70+2).

Kerry: Shane Murphy; Jason Foley, Dylan Casey, Tom O’Sullivan; Tadhg Morley, Paul Murphy, Gavin White; Jack Barry, Barry Dan O’Sullivan; Paudie Clifford, Seán O’Shea, Ruairi Murphy; Tony Brosnan, David Clifford, Donal O’Sullivan.

Subs: Diarmuid O’Connor for BD O’Sullivan (32-24, blood), Dara Moynihan for R Murphy (HT), Diarmuid O’Connor for BD O’Sullivan (40), Killian Spillane for D O’Sullivan (46), Graham O’Sulllivan for Casey (51), Paul Geaney for P Murphy (66).

Referee: Niall Cullen (Fermanagh).

Allianz FL D1: Gritty Galway defeat Armagh

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Allianz Football League Division One

Galway 1-8 Armagh 1-6

By Steve Malone at BOX-IT Athletic Grounds

A tight Allianz Football League game seemed to be edging towards a stalemate when Matthew Tierney fisted home the winning goal in the 69th minute.

The result puts Galway in with a chance of reaching the decider with All-Ireland champions Kerry coming to the Pearse Stadium next, while Armagh are in trouble as they make the trip to rivals Tyrone with relegation a real possibility.

Armagh held Galway to three points in the first half while Galway restricted Armagh to only two minutes during the second period in a game that was cagey in most parts.

Stefan Campbell, Crossmaglen’s Callum Cumiskey and Rian O’Neill and Ciaran Mackin picked off fine first half points but it was goalkeeper Ethan Rafferty that grabbed Armagh’s goal on 21 minutes.

That gave Armagh a 1-2 to no 0-0 lead, but two points in as many minutes from Johnny Heaney and Cathal Sweeney put Galway back into the contest. Shane Walsh pointed from a free as Armagh led 1-04 to 0-03 at the break.

Galway hit 1-05 before Armagh scored only their second point of the half. Rory Grugan opened the half with a point and they should have added to their tally, but for some poor shooting and the Tribesmen improved significantly.

Paul Conroy, Matthew Tierney, Shane Walsh and Johnny Heaney impressed as the Tribesmen cut into Armagh’s lead. The game opened up as it progressed but as Heaney, Conroy and marks from the excellent Tomo Culhane had the sides level with time almost up.

Then came Tierney’s smash and grab winning goal. Armagh came close to equalising deep in additional time, but Galway ‘keeper Conor Gleeson did well to deny Jarly Og Burns.

Galway are making strides, while Armagh have work to do.

Scorers for Galway: Matthew Tierney 1-0, Johnny Heaney, Tomo Culhane (2ms), and Shane Walsh (2fs) 0-2 each, Paul Conroy and Cathal Sweeney 0-1 each.

Scorers for Armagh: Ethan Rafferty 1-0, Ciaran Mackin, Stefan Campbell, Callum Cumiskey, Rian O’Neill, Aidan Nugent, and Rory Grugan (f) 0-1 each.

Galway: Conor Gleeson, John McGrath, Sean Kelly, Sean Fitzgerald, Dylan McHugh, John Daly, Cian Hernon, Paul Conroy, Paul Kelly, Matthew Tierney, Johnny Heaney, John Maher, Patrick Kelly, Shane Walsh, Cathal Sweeney.

Subs: Robert Finnerty for Kelly (HT), Tomo Culhane for P Kelly (43’),Daniel O’Flaherty for Maher (68’), Billy Mannion for Hernon (70’), Ryan Monaghan for J Daly (76’).

Armagh: Ethan Rafferty; Barry McCambridge, Aaron McKay, Aidan Forker, Ciaran Mackin, Greg McCabe, Jarly Og Burns, Stefan Campbell, Tiernan Kelly, Callum Cumiskey, Rory Grugan, Joe McElroy, Rian O’Neill, Andrew Murnin, Jason Duffy.

Subs: Jemar Hall for Cumiskey (29’), Stephen Sheridan for Kelly (ht’), Conor Turbitt for McCabe (48’), Ross McQuillan for McKay (51’), Niall Grimley for Sheridan (58’), Aidan Nugent for O’Neill (65’).

Referee: David Gough (Meath).

by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Allianz FL D1: Heaney goal seals Galway win

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Allianz Football League Division One

Galway 1-13 Monaghan 0-10

By Billy Coss at Pearse Stadium

A 63rd minute Johnny Heaney goal proved game-defining as Galway turned in a dominant second half to secure a valuable Division One victory over Monaghan in Salthill.

The Tribesman trailed by 0-8 to 0-7 at the break and despite playing the entire second half with 14 men following a straight red card for Peter Cooke, they would go on outscore the Farney County by 1-6 to just two points from there to the finish.

Monaghan had first use of wind advantage and the sides traded on parity five times during the opening 35 minutes.

The visitors’ tally arrived courtesy of two early Seán Jones scores, a couple of distance frees from Beggan, and further efforts from Conor McCarthy, Killian Lavalle, Michael Bannigan and Dessie Ward.

Paul Conroy, Rob Finnerty and Matthew Tierney notched three points apiece on the day, and along with Cooke accounted for Galway’s first half return.

Cooke’s dismissal followed an off-the-ball tangle with Bannigan and after Beggan pointed the resultant free, Monaghan went in armed with a slender advantage on the scoreboard but more significantly in personnel for the second half.

Their position improved further when Beggan floated over another off the deck after the restart, but Galway soon took over with the elements at their backs.

Defenders John Daly and Seán Kelly broke forward for key scores, Johnny Heaney clipped another, and though Beggan’s fourth of the day levelled matters for the final time, a far more efficient Galway soon pulled clear.

Shane Walsh was introduced for his first action of this year’s National League and Galway also sprung another All-Star in Cillian McDaid to good effect.

Back-to-back Rob Finnerty points opened a little daylight before the key moment came seven minutes from the end of normal time. Cathal Sweeney latched onto a Paul Conroy free that broke in the Monaghan square before feeding the in-rushing Johnny Heaney to finish.

That left Monaghan past the point of no return and their shooting woes were summed up by nine second half wides at the Árus Bóthar na Trá end.

They slip into the relegation zone, while Galway move up to third.

Scorers for Galway: Johnny Heaney 1-1, Rob Finnerty, Paul Conroy (2f) and Matthew Tierney (2f) 0-3 each, Peter Cooke, John Daly and Seán Kelly 0-1 each.

Scorers for Monaghan: Rory Beggan 0-4 (4fs), Seán Jones 0-2, Killian Lavelle, Dessie Ward, Conor McCarthy (f) and Michael Bannigan 0-1 each.

Galway: Connor Gleeson; Johnny McGrath, Eoghan Kelly, Sean Kelly; Dylan McHugh, John Daly, Daniel O’Flaherty; Paul Conroy, Matthew Tierney; Paul Kelly, Johnny Heaney, Peter Cooke; Patrick Kelly, Rob Finnerty, Cathal Sweeney.

Subs: Shane Walsh for Patrick Kelly (42), Cillian McDaid for Paul Kelly (53), John Maher for O’Flaherty (64), Cian Hernon for Sweeney (70+3), Ryan Monaghan for Finnerty (70+5).

Monaghan: Rory Beggan; Ryan Wylie, Ryan O’Toole, Thomas McPhillips; Conor Boyle, Dessie Ward, Kieran Duffy (captain); Darren Hughes, Killian Lavelle; Stephen O’Hanlon, Michael Bannigan, Conor McCarthy; Karl Gallagher, Seán Jones, Fintan Kelly.

Subs: Shane Carey for Kelly (half-time), Karl O’Connell for Wylie (41), Conor McManus for Jones (48), Kieran Hughes for Gallagher (66), Colm Lennon for Darren Hughes (70+3).

Referee: Conor Lane (Cork).

Allianz FL D1: Donegal and Galway share the spoils

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Allianz Football League Division Donegal 1-9 Galway 1-9 Chris McNulty in Letterkenny

Paul Conroy had one last chance to scrape the win but, ultimately, Donegal and Galway ended with a share of the spoils.

The sun beamed down on a crisp February Sunday in Letterkenny and Conroy, with a free from out on the stand side, seemed sure to win it for the Tribesmen.

At the vital moment, his effort trailed to the left and wide. Seconds later, the hands were shaken as David Coldrick called time on a tepid and error-ridden contest.

Both will have been content with a point, although neither will be too pleased with how they arrived at the conclusion.

It has been a testing start to 2023 for Donegal, who saw their talisman, Michael Murphy, and their rock, Neil McGee, call time on their respective inter-county careers in 2022. The recent hamstring injury that will rule Patrick McBrearty, just appointed Murphy’s successor as captain, for the foreseeable was the latest set-back for new manager Paddy Carr.

At half-time here, they were 1-6 to 1-3 in front when the short whistle sounded.

Donegal went from then until the 67th minute without registering a score until Oisin Gallen finally ended their famine.

Galway had nosed in front with Conroy and Matthew Tierney on target before Gallen struck.

Conor O’Donnell levelled and Donegal still needed Jason McGee to post after a fisted Rob Finnerty point restored Galway’s slender advantage.

Donegal hit something of a purple patch from the 17th minute with Jamie Brennan, Caolan McGonagle and goalkeeper Shaun Patton, on his home turf at O’Donnell Park – a venue at which Donegal have struggled over the years – stroking the points, the latter’s coming via a fine 50-metre free.

In the 25th minute, John Daly, perched right beneath his own crossbar, with the margin for error swaying somewhere between slim and none, was penalised for a throw and Donegal were given a penalty.

Gallen managed to beat Conor Gleeson, Galway’s goalkeeper, from the spot, but only just. Gleeson got a firm hand to the ball, but Gallen’s effort squeezed in.

The umpire behind Gleeson’s goal had barely dropped their green flags when the man in the white coat at the other end was reaching for his.

Just 43 seconds after Gallen converted, Tierney gathered possession and, after cutting a swathe into the Donegal rearguard, tucked past the advancing Shaun Patton to narrow Galway’s deficit to two, 1-5 to 1-3.

A beauty from Michael Langan had Donegal three ahead at the break.

Donegal’s profligacy in front of the posts allowed Galway to creep back and Tierney evened the abacus again in the 52nd minute.

Caolan McColgan stepped in with an excellent intervention to deny Finnerty during a period when Donegal were in danger of kicking the day away.

Substutute Peadar Mogan scurried in for a late Donegal goal chance, but was blocked and the end-to-end finale concluded with Conroy narrowly missing the chance to seal a win for the visitors.

Donegal scorers: Oisin Gallen (1-0pen) 1-2; Conor O’Donnell 0-2; Shaun Patton (f), Jamie Brennan, Caolan McGonagle, Michael Langan, Jason McGee 0-1 each

Galway scorers: Matthew Tierney (1 ’45) 1-3; Paul Conroy (2f), Rob Finnerty 0-2 each; Cathal Sweeney, Peter Cooke 0-1 each.

Donegal: Shaun Patton; Mark Curran, Brendan McCole, Martin O’Reilly; Caolan McColgan, Stephen McMenamin, Eoghan Ban Gallagher; Caolan McGonagle, Jason McGee; Michael Langan, Daire Ó Baoill, Conor O’Donnell; Hugh McFadden, Oisin Gallen, Jamie Brennan. Subs: Peadar Mogan for O’Reilly (half-time), Rory O’Donnell for McFadden (60), Johnny McGroddy for Ó Baoill (68)

Galway: Conor Gleeson; Jack Glynn, Sean Kelly, Eoghan Kelly; Dylan McHugh, John Daly, Cathal Sweeney; Paul Conroy, Cillian McDaid; Matthew Tierney, Peter Cooke, Johnny Heaney; Patrick Kelly, Gerard Davoren, Ian Burke. Subs: Rob Finnerty for Davoren (half-time), John Maher and Ryan Monaghan for Cooke and P Kelly (49), Dessie Conneely for McDaid (55).

Referee: David Coldrick (Meath)

Matthew Tierney, Galway, and Frank Burns, Tyrone, in Allianz Football League action.Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Allianz FL D1: Tierney inspires Galway

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Allianz Football League Division One

Galway 0-16 Tyrone 0-13

By Cian O’Connell at Tuam Stadium

Ultimately this game was all about Matthew Tierney’s excellence and Galway’s efficiency in the second period.

Just when Tyrone started to pose serious questions during a lively spell, Galway were crafty enough to find the answers.

Tierney gathered a couple of critical kickouts, while also contributing a string of neat points as the Oughterard clubman helped to steer Galway to a vital victory.

It was a wild afternoon in the west with Galway backed by the strong wind in the opening period as Pádraic Joyce’s charges departed 0-7 to 0-3 ahead at the break.

That was chiefly due to splendid long range points from Tierney, Paul Conroy, and Jack Glynn for the home team, who enjoyed a decent burst following a tight opening quarter.

Early on Tierney and Darragh Canavan (free) traded points before Galway reeled off four points without reply.

Galway led 0-5 to 0-1 before Tyrone terminated a 17 minute search for a score courtesy of a sweet point from Cormac Quinn.

Again Tierney replied for Galway with Darren McCurry subsequently rifling over a point as the visitors’ were battling against the elements.

On the stroke of half-time, 2022 Young Footballer of the Year Jack Glynn ventured forward to land a gorgeous point for Galway, who were four ahead at the turnaround.

Within nine minutes of the restart, though, Tyrone had the gap trimmed down to the minimum following points from McShane and McCurry (two).

Suddenly the tempo quickened with Galway substitute Cathal Sweeney making an impact as Joyce’s outfit went 0-9 to 0-7 in front.

A 51st minute effort from McShane had Tyrone only a point behind, but then Galway seized control with Tierney prominent.

Ian Burke, Tierney (3), Seán Kelly, and Sweeney all mined points for Galway, who accumulated a 0-15 to 0-8 advantage with six minutes remaining.

Five of the last six points were registered by Tyrone, but Galway held on to secure the full complement of spoils.

Scorers for Galway: Matthew Tierney 0-6 (3fs), Cathal Sweeney and Paul Conroy (2fs) 0-3 each,Seán Kelly, Ian Burke, Jack Glynn, and Peter Cooke 0-1 each.

Scorers for Tyrone: Darren McCurry 0-4 (2fs), Cathal McShane (1m) and Darragh Canavan (2fs) 0-2 each, Cormac Quinn, Cormac Munroe, Peter Harte, Pádraig Hampsey, and Richie Donnelly 0-1 each.

Galway: Connor Gleeson; Jack Glynn, Eoghan Kelly, Seán Kelly; Dylan McHugh, John Daly, Daniel O’Flaherty; Paul Conroy, Cillian McDaid; Peter Cooke, Matthew Tierney, Johnny Heaney; Patrick Kelly, Ian Burke, Eoin Finnerty.

Subs: Johnny McGrath for O’Flaherty (HT), Cathal Sweeney for E Finnerty (HT), John Maher for P Kelly (69), Rob Finnerty for McDaid (70).

Tyrone: Niall Morgan; Cormac Munroe, Michael McKernan, Pádraig Hampsey; Cormac Quinn, Peter Harte, Niall Devlin; Brian Kennedy, Frank Burns; Conor Meyler, Conn Kilpatrick, Niall Sludden; Darren McCurry, Cathal McShane, Darragh Canavan.

Subs: Joe Oguz for Devlin (50), Ruairí Canavan for Sludden (55), Richie Donnelly for Quinn (58), Mattie Donnelly for Burns (63).

Referee: Brendan Cawley (Kildare).

Eoghan Kelly, Galway, and Conor Cox, Roscommon, in Allianz Football League Division One action at Pearse Stadium. Photo by Ray Ryan/Sportsfile

Allianz FL D1: Roscommon finish strongly

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Furiously celebrated by the travelling Roscommon supporters and management, Roscommon will be content following an impressive start to the campaign under new manager Davy Burke.

Allianz Football League Division One – Roscommon 0-9 Galway 0-8

Substitute Richard Hughes’ point in the fifth minute of stoppage time ensured Roscommon left Salthill armed with the full complement of spoils.

Trailing by four following a point from Galway replacement Ian Burke in the 51st minute, Roscommon subsequently clipped five on the spin to earn victory.

Defensive in the opening period, scores and opportunities were scarce in the west. To illustrate how tight it was before the break Galway converted 0-5 from nine attempts, while Roscommon struck 0-3 from eight.

The fact that Damien Comer was stretchered off with a leg injury early on was another disappointing aspect for Galway supporters.

Initially Roscommon landed the first two points courtesy of Daire Cregg and Ciarán Lennon before Galway reeled off five without repl.

During that burst Dylan McHugh and Cillian McDaid clipped sweet efforts for Galway, who eventually departed 0-5 to 0-3 ahead at the turnaround.

Three of the next four points were registered by Galway, who edged 0-8 to 0-4 clear with 19 minutes remaining.

Roscommon, though, refused to be perturbed. Similar to last week’s win against Tyrone a number of players introduced to the game contributed handsomely. Ben O’Carroll (2) and Ciaráin Murtagh rifled over points prior to Diarmuid Murtagh’s 66th minute leveller.

Deep into additional time Roscommon thundered forward with Hughes supplying the decisive point and the visitors’ left the Corribside venue heartened.

Scorers for Roscommon: Diarmuid Murtagh 0-3 (1f), Ben O’Carroll 0-2, Ciarán Lennon, Richard Hughes, and Daire Cregg 0-1 each.

Scorers for Galway: Dessie Conneely 0-3 (3fs), Cillian McDaid, Matthew Tierney, Dylan McHugh, Ian Burke, and Johnny Heaney 0-1 each.

Roscommon: Conor Carroll; Conor Hussey, Conor Daly, Eoin McCormack; Niall Daly, Brian Stack, Dylan Ruane; Tadhg O’Rourke, Keith Doyle; Enda Smith, Diarmuid Murtagh, Ciarán Lennon; Daire Cregg, Conor Cox, Robbie Dolan.

Subs: Ciaráin Murtagh for Cox (HT), Ben O’Carroll for Ruane (47), David Murray for McCormack (47), Richard Hughes for Doyle (51), Colin Walsh for Murray (65-68, blood), Paul Carey for D Murtagh (70+2).

Galway: Connor Gleeson; Jack Glynn, Eoghan Kelly, Neil Mulcahy; Dylan McHugh, John Daly, Seán Kelly; Paul Conroy, Cillian McDaid; Paul Kelly, Matthew Tierney, Peter Cooke; Johnny Heaney, Damien Comer, Eoin Finnerty.

Subs: Dessie Conneely for Comer (10), Ian Burke for P Kelly (HT), Owen Gallagher for Finnerty (51), Cathal Sweeney for Cooke (55), Matthew Barrett for Heaney (64).

Referee: Martin McNally (Monaghan).

By Cian O’Connell at Pearse Stadium