Galway 0-16

Meath 0-8

By Tommy Devane in Kells

A new year, a new league and a whole host of rule changes did not deter Galway from producing a rip-roaring opening performance in the opening round of the Division 1 Ladies Football League in Grangegodden, Kells on Sunday,

It was obvious right from the throw-in that the Tribeswomern have adapted well in training to the dozen or so trial rule playing enhancements that will be in place for this year’s league. A mid-point review will be overseen by the Playing Rules Review Group followed by a final evaluation after the full trial period ahead of Special Congress.

Galway started brightly hitting two early scores to settle into proceedings with Andrea Trill and Roisin Leonard raising white flags inside the opening eight minutes. Emma Duggan responded 60 seconds later with the Royal’s opener from a close in free.

Kate Slevin, Mairead Glynn and Leonard had points in response to a Meath effort from Rachel Casserly that left the winners three ahead after the opening quarter. Emma Duggan’s second effort on 18 minutes reduced the deficit but Galway would hit for four unanswered efforts in a three minute spell before the break.

Kate Slevin, Mairead Glynn, Leanne Coen and the pick of them from midfielder Niamh Divilly stretched the lead out to an impressive six points. The final score of the first half came from the home side courtesy of captain Niamh Gallogly which would leave the interval score: Galway 0-9, Meath 0-4.

Galway continued their dominance on the resumpion, with their defence and midfield setting up three early second half scores to put even more daylight between the sides. Roisin Leonard’s third point of the day and Slevin’s third and fourth had Daniel Moynihan’s charges cruise into an eight-point advantage.

It would get even better by the end of the third quarter as player of the match Kate Slevin kicked a superb two pointer into the breeze to rapturous applause around the Meath venue. Slevin saluted the crowd as she became the one of the first players to kick such a score under the current rules.

Meath really struggled in all areas throughout and found it hard to penetrate a Galway defence lead by centre back Chellene Trill from Claregalway who was outstanding going forward, setting up many Galway attacks.

Pictured: Galway’s Kate Slevin, pictured in action against Dara Kiniry of Cork during last year’s Division 2 Final, scored seven  points in their big league win over Meath in Kells on Sunday.