All-Ireland SFC: Galway reach decider
All-Ireland SFC Semi-Final
Galway 1-14 Donegal 0-15
By Cian O’Connell at Croke Park
This week in Galway, it really was a Year ‘Til Sunday.
When the afternoon arrived it felt even longer, but Galway persevered, finding a way to win a tight match. Pat Comer and David Power’s immortal documentary is still shown by parents to the next generation, eager to educate them about what John O’Mahony and his exciting panel did for football in the west decades ago.
One of the chief protagonists in that triumph, Pádraic Joyce, stood on the sideline, cajoling another gritty performance from his team. Ultimately, it was sufficient to earn a place in the July 28 All-Ireland SFC Final against Armagh.
Donegal had opportunities in the closing stages, but late points from Rob Finnerty and Liam Silke proved decisive.
In such a close encounter Donegal’s failure to score after the 61st minute was costly. Galway only managed two points in that spell, but they mattered deeply.
The opening period moved along at a decent clip with a Shane Walsh score in the 21st minute levelling affairs at 0-5 each. That effort resulted from a Seán Fitzgerald delivery which caused panic in the Donegal full back line, and Galway profited again three minutes later.
Paul Conroy’s ball inside caused confusion in the Donegal defence and eventually it crept over the line for a tonic Galway goal. Jim McGuinness’ charges, spirited and defiant, responded admirably with Paddy McBrearty clipping a gorgeous point instantly.
Finnerty nailed a free for Galway, but Donegal were beginning to get some joy. Ciarán Thompson, Oisín Gallen, and the splendid Michael Langan contributed points.
Conroy replied for Galway before Langan concluded the first half scoring ensuring the teams departed deadlocked, 1-7 to 0-10, at the interval. Delicately poised it most certainly was.
When the match restarted it was cagey, but nearly every score was seriously hard earned. Walsh converted a free before Gallen and Shane O’Donnell rifled over points. Cillian McDaid manufactured space to kick an equaliser.
McBrearty nudged Donegal ahead. Then the Corofin duo, Dylan McHugh, who was excellent, and Silke guided Galway into the lead. McBrearty had Donegal back on terms.
Then a barren spell occurred with John Maher supplying a vital point for Galway. Langan restored parity, but Donegal didn’t score again. In the remaining moments Finnerty (free) and Silke clipped points which delighted Galway supporters in the 67,002 crowd.
For Donegal, it has been some adventure under McGuinness once again. Galway’s 2024 journey continues.
Scorers for Galway: Rob Finnerty 0-4 (2fs), Paul Conroy 1-1, Shane Walsh 0-3 (2fs), Dylan McHugh and Liam Silke 0-2 each, Cillian McDaid and John Maher 0-1 each.
Scorers for Donegal: Michael Langan 0-4, Oisín Gallen and Paddy McBrearty (1f) 0-3 each, Shane O’Donnell and Ciarán Thompson (1m) 0-2 each, Caolan McGonagle 0-1.
Galway: Connor Gleeson; Johnny McGrath, Liam Silke, Jack Glynn; Dylan McHugh, Seán Fitzgerald, Seán Ó Maoilchiaráin; Paul Conroy, John Maher; Matthew Tierney, Céin D’Arcy, Cillian McDaid; Rob Finnerty, Damien Comer, Shane Walsh.
Subs: Johnny Heaney for D’Arcy (57), Daniel O’Flaherty for Walsh (63), John Daly for Fitzgerald (65), Kieran Molloy for Comer (70+2), Tomo Culhane for McDaid (70+2).
Donegal: Shaun Patton; Eoghan Bán Gallagher, Brendan McCole, Peadar Mogan; Ryan McHugh, Caolan McGonagle, Caolan McColgan; Michael Langan, Jason McGee; Shane O’Donnell, Ciarán Thompson, Ciarán Moore; Paddy McBrearty, Oisín Gallen, Aaron Doherty.
Subs: Daire Ó Baoill for McColgan (30), Jeaic Mac Ceallbhuí for Gallagher (48), Niall O’Donnell for McBrearty (59), Hugh McFadden for McGee (59), Odhran Doherty for Aaron Doherty (63).
Referee: Brendan Cawley (Kildare).
