All-Ireland SFC: Mayo triumph in Salthill

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All-Ireland SFC Preliminary Quarter-Final – Mayo 1-10 Galway 0-12

By Cian O’Connell at Pearse Stadium

At the end Kevin McStay punched the Salthill air in delight.

Trailing by five points at the interval, Mayo, with trademark defiance, came thundering back to earn a place in next weekend’s All-Ireland SFC Quarter-Finals at Croke Park.

David McBrien’s 43rd minute goal proved to be the decisive score during a Mayo burst that yielded 1-5 without reply.

That was when the chief damage took place. Damien Comer was forced off for Galway and suddenly Mayo had that valuable Championship ingredient: momentum.

It was a passionate response from Mayo because the opening period was all about Galway’s industry and application. Galway’s desire was reflected in the 0-8 to 0-3 lead at the turnaround.

By the seventh minute Mayo had accumulated a 0-3 to 0-1 advantage, but the green and red outfit didn’t score again before the break.

In that spell Galway, with Paul Conroy prominent, reeled off seven points on the spin.

Galway repeatedly gathered Mayo kickouts, but the one area for concern was the failure to convert enough chances.

Ultimately Galway landed 0-8 from 16 scoring attempts in the first half. Those misses mattered deeply.

Kevin McLoughlin started brightly for Mayo, scoring one and creating another point as the visitors edged 0-3 to 0-1 in front.

Galway, though, responded with Damien Comer carrying a potent attacking threat.

Shane Walsh (two frees), Comer, Tierney (two), John Maher, and Cillian McDaid all registered points for Galway, who went in armed with a five point cushion.

Then the match became a bit chaotic in the third quarter, just how Mayo like it with Diarmuid O’Connor’s dynamism vital. Ryan O’Donoghue rifled over a free and added a beauty from play.

McBrien exchanged passes with Aidan O’Shea prior to planting a critical goal. Suddenly the teams were level, 1-5 to 0-8.

Substitute Cillian O’Connor and Paddy Durcan with two delicious efforts edged Mayo three to the good with 17 minutes remaining.

In the closing stages Galway outscored Mayo by 0-4 to 0-2. It wasn’t enough. A couple of late goalmouth scrambles were forced, but Cillian McDaid was thwarted.

With a flair for the dramatic and rollicking summer adventures, Mayo head for GAA headquarters heartened.

Scorers for Mayo: David McBrien 1-0, Tommy Conroy, Paddy Durcan, and Ryan O’Donoghue (1f) 0-2 each, Kevin McLoughlin, Stephen Coen, Cillian O’Connor, and James Carr 0-1 each.

Scorers for Galway: Shane Walsh 0-4 (4fs), John Maher and Matthew Tierney (1m) 0-2 each, Cillian McDaid, Damien Comer, Peter Cooke, and Paul Conroy 0-1 each.

Mayo: Colm Reape; Sam Callinan, David McBrien, Jack Coyne; Paddy Durcan, Jason Doherty, Eoghan McLaughlin; Stephen Coen, Diarmuid O’Connor; Jack Carney, Kevin McLoughlin, Jordan Flynn; Ryan O’Donoghue, Aidan O’Shea, Tommy Conroy.

Subs: Enda Hession for Doherty (HT), Cillian O’Connor for McLoughlin (45), Mattie Ruane for Carney (59), James Carr for O’Shea (62), Donnacha McHugh for Coyne (70+2).

Galway: Connor Gleeson; Jack Glynn, Seán Fitzgerald, Johnny McGrath; Seán Kelly, Cian Hernon, John Daly; Paul Conroy, John Maher; Johnny Heaney, Peter Cooke, Cillian McDaid; Matthew Tierney, Damien Comer, Shane Walsh.

Subs: Ian Burke for Comer (HT), Cathal Sweeney for Heaney (48), Rob Finnerty for Hernon (62), Tomo Culhane for Cooke (69).

Referee: Seán Hurson (Tyrone).

All-Ireland SFC: Armagh advance to quarter-finals

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All-Ireland SFC Group Two

Armagh 0-16 Galway 1-12

By Billy Coss at Avant Money Páirc Seán MacDiarmada

It didn’t hit the levels of drama reached in last summer’s Croke Park classic, but in another chaotic finish it was Rory Grugan’s injury-time free that proved decisive, sending Armagh through to the All-Ireland quarter-finals as group winners and consigning Galway to next weekend’s preliminary quarter-finals.

Level 12 times over the course of the absorbing contest, Galway’s Shane Walsh had a last-gasp opportunity to make it 13 only for his right-footed free to skew off target before referee Joe McQuillan called time on an incredible afternoon in the All-Ireland round-robin.

It was Grugan, Stefan Forker, Andrew Murnin and Conor Turbitt who drove Armagh’s second half dominance in the absence of the suspended Rian O’Neill. Kieran McGeeney’s men turned around 1-5 to 0-6 in arrears and despite facing into the wind went on to outscore Galway by ten points to seven thereafter.

The Tribesmen, who lined out without Dylan McHugh and Damien Comer, will rue costly turnovers as well as a number of missed goal chances. Matthew Tierney went close to netting in the early stages and Armagh ‘keeper Ethan Rafferty was equal to Shane Walsh’s penalty shortly before Galway captain Seán Kelly cut through to finish low and with conviction on 28 minutes.

Cillian McDaid and Walsh pointed twice, and Peter Cooke was also on the mark for Galway during that opening half. Armagh’s tally, meanwhile, came courtesy of Turbitt (two), Grugan, Murnin, Forker and Stefan Campbell. Their best chance of hitting the net came and went when the excellent Kelly intercepted Stefan Campbell’s attempt to tee up Conor O’Neill at the back post.

With Turbitt doubling his return and Campbell, Grugan and Murnin all topping up their tallies, the Ulster finalists landed five of the second half’s opening seven points to edge in front, 0-11 to 1-7, on 45 minutes.

It was point for point thereafter with the counties trading mini spells in the ascendancy. Walsh was Galway’s chief source of scores with Cooke, Kelly and Tierney providing most support after the break.

After Forker cancelled out Tierney’s lead score, Galway ‘keeper Connor Gleeson was quick off his line to snuff out the danger when Grugan attempted to play Turbitt in on goal on 65 minutes.

It remained on a knife-edge and the key score eventually fell Armagh’s way. Galway coughed up possession cheaply and Murnin latched onto the loose ball in midfield before surging deep into enemy territory and earning the match-winning free. Grugan held his nerve to kick his fourth of the day and cap a terrific display.

A draw would still have earned Galway top spot, however Walsh’s late, late attempt was missed and combined with Tyrone and Westmeath ending in stalemate, it meant they fell short of their objective of booking a quarter-final place.

It’s Mayo, Monaghan or Roscommon for Padraic Joyce’s side next weekend. Armagh, after their first ever championship win over Galway, can sit back and watch it all unfold.

Scorers for Armagh: Rory Grugan 0-4 (2fs), Conor Turbitt 0-4 (2f), Andrew Murnin 0-3 (1m), Aidan Forker and Stefan Campbell 0-2 each, Jason Duffy 0-1.

Scorers for Galway: Shane Walsh 0-5 (3f), Seán Kelly 1-1, Cillian McDaid, Peter Cooke and Matthew Tierney 0-2 each.

Armagh: Ethan Rafferty; Paddy Burns, Ciarán Higgins, Aidan Forker; Greg McCabe, Aaron McKay, Conor O’Neill; Ciarán Mackin, Ben Crealey; Jason Duffy, Rory Grugan, Callum Cumiskey; Conor Turbitt, Andrew Murnin, Stefan Campbell.

Subs: Justin Kieran for O’Neill (temporary 13-20), Jarly Óg Burns for Cumiskey (47), Ross McQuillan for McCabe (52), Kieran for Higgins (61), Joe McElroy for Duffy (70).

Galway: Connor Gleeson; Seán Kelly, Cian Hernon, Jack Glynn; Johnny McGrath, John Daly, Billy Mannion; Paul Conroy, Cillian McDaid; Matthew Tierney, Johnny Heaney, Peter Cooke; Cathal Sweeney, Ian Burke, Shane Walsh.

Subs: John Maher for Billy Mannion (52), Rob Finnerty for Heaney (59), Cillian Ó Curraoin for McDaid (temporary, 68-70+1), Ó Curraoin for Kelly (70+4).

Referee: Joe McQuillan (Cavan).

All-Ireland SFC: Galway finish strongly

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All-Ireland SFC Group Two

Galway 0-20 Westmeath 0-12

By Gerry Buckley at TEG Cusack Park

Galway eventually pulled away from a wholehearted Westmeath side in front of a big crowd in sun-drenched TEG Cusack Park, Mullingar.

Dessie Dolan’s charges, a week after a heart-breaking one-point defeat in Armagh, again showed that they are well entitled to operate at this level and they were deservedly two points ahead after five minutes, via a 45-metre free from John Heslin and a well-worked score finished by Ronan O’Toole.

Cathal Sweeney, who replaced Damien Comer in the only change to either side from the selected teams, got Galway on the scoreboard in the seventh minute. Ray Connellan soon converted a mark for the home team, but it needed great defending from both Jason Daly and James Dolan to prevent the Tribesmen from converting a triple-chance of a goal in the 10th minute at the expense of an unconverted ‘45’.

Points from Johnny Heaney and Paul Conroy edged Galway ahead by 0-5 to 0-4 after 22 minutes, but unanswered points from O’Toole, the lively Luke Loughlin, and Sam McCartan (a grandson of Galway legend Sean Purcell) restored the Lake County’s two-point lead. A rasping shot from Peter Cooke came back off the crossbar in the 33rd minute, but Shane Walsh converted a free immediately afterwards. Westmeath led by 0-7 to 0-6 at the interval.

A Walsh free levelled the game for Padraic Joyce’s troops within a minute of the restart. However, Westmeath continued to play with great spirit and it needed Cian Hernon’s second outstanding point to tie the game at 0-11 each in the 50th minute.

Moments later, Connellan picked up a second yellow card for a foul on John Maher.

The introduction of Comer to a great reception from the large band of travelling fans in the 55th minute had an immediate impact and he fired over a rapid-fire brace to put his side 0-14 to 0-12 ahead.

Sub Eoin Mulvihill scored what proved to be the losers’ last point on the hour mark and Galway, with Cooke excellent as playmaker and scorer, scored six unanswered points – including Comer’s hat-trick completion – in the closing stages, to win with a bit to spare.

Galway never found the net late on, but Maher was superbly foiled by Daly, while Comer also unlucky with an audacious lob, and sub Paul Kelly had a goal disallowed for a throw-ball earlier in the move.

Scorers for Galway: P Cooke, S Walsh (3fs) 0-4 each, D Comer 0-3, J Heaney (1mark), C Hernon 0-2 each, P Conroy, C Sweeney, M Tierney (‘45’), I Burke, J Maher 0-1 each.

Scorers for Westmeath: J Heslin (1f), R O’Toole, L Loughlin 0-2 each, J Smith, R Wallace, R Connellan, S McCartan, S Smith, E Mulvihill 0-1 each.

Galway: C Gleeson; J McGrath, S Kelly, J Glynn; C Hernon, J Daly, C McDaid; P Conroy, P Cooke; M Tierney, C Sweeney, J Heaney; I Burke, R Finnerty, S Walsh.

Subs: T Culhane for Finnerty (inj., 7), J Maher for Culhane (46), D Comer for Burke (55), P Kelly for Walsh (69), S Mulkerrin for Hernon (70+3).

Westmeath: J Daly; J Smith, K Maguire, J Dolan; J Gonoud, R Wallace, A McCormack; S Duncan, R Connellan; S McCartan, R O’Toole, D Lynch; L Loughlin, J Heslin, S Smith.

Subs: J Lynam for Duncan (inj., 20), D Giles for J Smith (inj., 47), S Baker for S Smith (48), E Mulvihill for Gonoud (55), C Dillon for McCormack (64).

Referee: J McQuillan (Cavan).

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).