In the final of the Connacht Senior Football Championship, Galway edged out Mayo with a score line of 0-16 to 0-15. All thanks to goalkeeper Connor Gleeson, who scored a decisive free kick in the final moments which resulted in an electrifying celebration among the local spectators at Pearse Stadium. Earlier in the game, Gleeson had a few close-call moments when he was taken off goal not once, but twice, leaving the goalpost vulnerable. Matthew Ruane took advantage of the situation only once scoring a point, while the second occurrence ended up in a free kick that was scored by Ryan O’Donoghue.
The tide seemed to be in Mayo’s favour when Tommy Conroy, from the left corner of the field, helped Mayo take a two-point lead with a score of 0-15 to 0-13 in the penultimate minute of the match. Mayo was now in control, aided by a powerful bench.
Regardless, Galway retaliated with three straight award-winning free kicks, which was initiated and concluded by two strong decisions from referee David Gough. The first decision was against Conroy for illegally handling the ball and negatively impacting John Maher. Despite Mayo’s objections, the often reliable Rob Finnerty made use of the opportunity by scoring the point. This was followed by Shane Walsh netting the next free kick after a foul on Daniel O’Flaherty. Lastly and quite controversially, Conor Loftus was adjudged for a foul under pressure from Matthew Tierney and Paul Conroy, the result being a free kick which was expertly converted by Gleeson.
The game had entered extra time, and Cillian O’Connor, in a last-ditch effort, tried to salvage the game for Mayo with a shot that unfortunately drifted wide. This was a nervy encounter, with both teams trading leads and making plenty of errors. Mayo seemed to have done just enough to secure the victory, but they faltered in the final moments.
Prior to the match, Galway made a couple of substitutions – Kieran Molloy replaced John Maher while Shane Walsh made way for Cathal Sweeney. Given Walsh’s inconsistent performance, this switch was somewhat predictable even though it caused quite a stir. In the first half, both substitutes were later reintroduced. Mayo, on the other hand, replaced team captain Paddy Durcan with Eoghan McLaughlin. The first half was full of errors from both sides, with often turnovers in possession, but Galway had a sharper attack whereas Mayo dominated the territory.
The precision of their shots was disappointing, as they missed the target six times, fell short once, and even Jack Coyne’s point-blank attempt ended up hitting the goal post. In contrast, Galway showed superior shooting accuracy, albeit from fewer opportunities. Damien Comer was displaying a formidable mood, giving David McBrien a hard time and nearly scoring a goal from a favourable position, followed by a point from the subsequent free.
Despite facing resistance, Comer put in a commendable performance in the match, kicking two points, conceding fouls for four converted frees and making an exceptional mark at midfield in the 66th minute, as the tension intensifies.
Sadly, Mayo will have to shoulder the burden of regret for not capitalising on their advantageous positions. They had nine wives compared to Galway’s two and are now gearing up for an All-Ireland group with Dublin, Roscommon, and Cavan. They had a victorious match with Roscommon earlier in the championship.
Meanwhile, Galway is celebrating their first provincial hat-trick in 40 years. They will be the top-seed in a group which includes Derry – the league holders, either Donegal or Armagh – the Ulster finalists, and Westmeath.
Teams were as follows:
Galway enlisted C Gleeson, J McGrath, S Fitzgerald, J Glynn, D McHugh, J Daly (captain), L Silke, P Conroy, C Darcy, J Heaney, S Kelly, K Molloy, R Finnerty, D Comer, and C Sweeney. Subs who came on included J Maher, S Walsh, M Tierney, S Mulkerrin, and D O’Flaherty.
For Mayo, the lineup comprised C Reape, J Coyne, D McBrien, R Brickenden, E McLaughlin, D McHugh, S Callinan, J Carney, M Ruane, S Coen (captain), F Boland, J Flynn, T Conroy, A O’Shea, and R O’Donoghue.
In the 46th minute, D O’Connor was substituted for Boland, and C O’Connor came in for O’Shea in the 54th minute, scoring 0-1. E Hession replaced Flynn in the 58th minute. C Loftus took over from Coyne in the 66th minute, and B Tuohy came in for Carney in the 71st minute. The match official was D Gough, hailing from Meath.