Inside Track with John McIntyre

WE were nearly feeling sorry for Roscommon at half-time. No score from play, no cutting edge, no drama. Galway were looking in a different league in Sunday’s Connacht semi-final at Hyde Park – a venue where they hadn’t lost to the hosts in 33 years.

The Tribesmen were 0-7 to 0-3 ahead at the break and in total control. They mightn’t have been shooting the lights out either, but their attacks carried a lot more pace and menace, especially down the left flank where wing back Dylan McHugh was particularly prominent.

Shane Walsh, Damien Comer (3), John Maher, Cathal Sweeney and Johnny Heaney all split the posts, with about the only positive thing about Roscommon’s laboured display being the remarkable ability of goalkeeper Conor Carroll to find a teammate from his kick-outs. Otherwise, the Rossies were off the pace.

When Ian Burke stretched Galway’s lead on the resumption, the home crowd became more deflated but almost without warning, Roscommon stormed into the contest with points from the excellent Ciaráin Murtagh, full back Conor Daly and substitute Cian McKeon before Hyde Park exploded.

Enda Smith, who was subdued by his standards, fetched a teasing Ciaran Lennon delivery before laying off to the inrushing Murtagh for a high-quality finish. Suddenly, Roscommon were 1-6 0 0-8 ahead, with all the momentum behind them and leaving Galway to start all over again.

But they were up for it and showed no traces of panic. Showing admirable mental strength and with Comer a man inspired, they turned the semi-final back in their favour. Matthew Tierney came up with a couple of critical points, while the impressive Maher added his second of the contest. Their experience and quality were now plain to see.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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