Waterford 0-11

Galway 0-9

DARREN KELLY AT DUGGAN PARK

FOLLOWING a three-week delay and uncertainty over when this fixture would be played, Galway’s fate was made definite last Sunday as a powerful final quarter from Waterford relegated the Tribeswomen to Division 2 Ladies National Football League action next year.

The hosts led 0-8 to 0-6 on 40 minutes but only managed one more score from a Róisín Leonard free, as the Deise kicked five unanswered points for the priceless win.

This was meant to be a sixth round fixture on St. Patrick’s Day but after Pearse Stadium was ruled out following Galway’s men double header against Limerick and Dublin, the LGFA conceded to Waterford’s insistence on not travelling to the Connacht GAA Dome in Bekan.

Admittedly, Galway weren’t done many favours by referee Maggie Farrelly, who was slow to tick tactical fouls while jersey pulling decisions appeared to favour the visitors more, but that still doesn’t excuse the hosts’ sixth defeat in seven games as there was ample opportunity to save their Division One status.

“We knew coming into this game that it was nearly like a championship game – winner-takes-all,” stated Galway manager Daniel Moynihan  “We probably put on our worst performance of the league campaign in this game.

“Obviously the wind was strong in that second half as well but we had plenty of opportunities. We probably put a little too much height on the ball when we didn’t need to. As a result, the ball moved away from the posts when it looked like it was dead on.”

Conditions were fine with a dry sod even if a stiff wind was ever present.  Even though Galway had it for the first half, Waterford opened the scoring through a Kellyann Hogan free on two minutes.

The Tribeswomen were pushing up to apply pressure and got back on terms within 60 seconds as Emma Reaney set up Shauna Hynes.

Pictured: Galway’s Eimilie Gavin secures possession against Waterford’s Clare Walsh during Sunday’s National LGFA League clash at Duggan Park. Photo: Joe O’Shaughnessy.