Galway 1-12

Mayo 1-11

Ivan Smyth at MacHale Park

A Charlie Cox free in the fifth minute of injury time ensured Galway booked their place in the Connacht Minor football final with a round to spare at MacHale Park on Friday evening.

Galway struck late as they overcame a poor third quarter and a three point deficit to prevail. This was an impressive win at a notoriously difficult venue as the winners overcame the late dismisal of captain Shay McGlinchey while they saw a one point lead wiped out in the 63rd minute when Tommy Lydon tapped over a free. Mayo’s Gavin Forry dropped an effort short before he was adjudged to have been fouled. There was still a chance for either side to claim the spoils.

Galway goalkeeper Cillian Walsh went long with the kickout and when Mayo, who had four time All-Star Colm Boyle as part of their backroom team, snaffled up possession, it appeared a draw would be the best case scenario for Alan Glynn’s side. However, their work rate shone through as Cox bottled up Mayo’s Yousif Coghill and Galway won a free outside the Mayo ’45. When Coghill refused to release the ball after being penalised, the placed ball was brought forward from 55m out to inside the ’45.

This meant Cox could have a crack at the posts with the Maigh Cuilinn man showing impressive fortitude to kick the winning score. Mayo were given one last chance to conjure up an equaliser but when Seán Walsh dislodged possession from the grasp of Mayo sub Conor Jennings, the final whistle immediately followed. Galway are now in the decider with the second and third placed sides in the group meeting in a semi-final on May 19.

Despite some sloppy turnovers, especially in the third quarter, Galway continue to show impressive fortitude as they secured their sixth successive championship win at the minor grade, a run which started after losing last year’s provincial decider to Mayo. This game appeared to be slipping away when Mayo led 1-9 to 0-9 after 51 minutes. Galway had only kicked two second half points before a sumptuous pass by Ross Coen set Jack Heneghan through on goal with the latter burying to the net.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.

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