Quarter-finals of Connacht SFC: Galway dominates London with 5-21 to 0-9 victory
Pádraig Joyce’s Galway squad walks away with a notable 27-point lead in their Connacht SFC quarter-final. However, the victory was overshadowed by more injury issues, forcing early exits for Johnny Heaney and Tomo Culhane.
It’s particularly disappointing for Culhane from Salthill Knocknacarra, who had scored twice after joining the second half, only to leave the game with an injury in the 52nd minute. Heaney, on the other hand, played brilliantly and scored three points in the first half but unfortunately had to leave the field prematurely as well.
For host Michael Maher’s London, poor luck started with the coin toss which was won by Galway. They chose to make the most of the strong wind blowing from north to south. Going into half-time, Galway had accumulated a 15-point lead, 1-15 to London’s 0-3. The single goal was scored four minutes before halftime when Cathal Sweeney scored against London’s defence.
London could have certainly used an early boost to challenge Galway, but they struggled. To make matters worse, goalkeeper Micheal Lynch had a tough time locating green jerseys for restarts, allowing Galway’s seasoned midfielder, Paul Conroy, to seize control of the game.
Even with a 4,000 strong crowd at Ruislip, London showed no signs of coming back into the game against Galway, who have now advanced to a semi-final encounter against either Sligo or Leitrim. After Conroy’s goal increased Galway’s lead, Culhane scored two more, raising the score difference to 3-18 to 0-4.
The absence of a full GAA pitch for London’s training in the spring season was visibly disadvantageous. As was their poor discipline in the early half for which referee Liam Devenney drew Galway’s free shots closer due to backchat from the London side. This may not have affected this game’s outcome but is something they may need to address for their upcoming Tailteann Cup campaign that ensures three more games for London.
In the 55th minute of the match, Cein Darcy skilfully scored the fifth goal for Galway, providing a somewhat depressing afternoon for London, despite late points scored by Rafter, Gallagher, and Diver.
LONDON’s team comprised M Lynch, D Rooney, M Moynihan, F Eastwood, O Kerr, E Walshe, T Barry, L Gallagher (score: 0-3, with two free shots), S Dornan, DJ O’Flaherty, D Clarke (score: 0-2), C Diver (score: 0-1), J Obahor, S Rafter (score: 0-2), and N MacElwaine.
Substitutions included M Miller replacing N McElwaine at the 18 minute mark, P Dolan for F Eastwood during half-time, G McDowell for T Barry at the 48th minute, R Rafferty (score: 0-1) replacing S Dornan at the 51st minute and finally M Carroll substituting O Kerr at the 57th minute.
GALWAY team consisted of C Gleeson, J McGrath, S Fitzgerald, J Glynn, D McHugh (score: 0-1), J Daly (score: 0-1), L Silke (score 0-1), P Conroy (score: 1-3), S Kelly, J Heaney (score: 0-4), C Sweeney (score: 1-1), C Darcy (score: 1-2), R Finnerty (score: 0-4 with a free shot and a mark), C Ó Curraoin (score: 0-4 with three free shots), and L Ó Congháile.
Substitutions involved D O’Flaherty replacing C Sweeney during half-time, S Mulkerrin for L Silke at the 48th minute, K Molloy for J Heaney at the 48th minute, T Culhane (score: 2-0) for C Ó Curraoin at the 48th minute and E Kelly replacing S Kelly at the 54th minute.
The match was overseen by Referee L Devenney from Mayo.