Sligo 0-14

Galway 0-13

GALWAY suffered a gut-wrenching defeat as Sligo were crowned Connacht U20 champions in a thrilling decider at Tuam Stadium last Wednesday.

Donal Ó Fatharta’s charges led by 0-13 to 0-11 after 57 minutes but after Luke Marren and Daire O’Boyle helped Sligo level the contest as the game ticked into four minutes of injury time, second-half sub Dillon Walsh fisted over in the final action of an absorbing contest to secure an unforgettable triumph for Sligo.

Galway will be left to rue spurning three goal chances in the final period with Sligo goalkeeper Ethan Carden producing a terrific double save to deny Seán Birmingham and Cillian Ó Curraoin in the 56th minute. The first opportunity for a major saw Jake Slattery pounce upon a sloppy kickout from Carden before seeing his left footed effort pushed out for a 45 which Ó Curraoin converted.

After Sligo levelled the contest at 13 apiece, Luke Marren tried to kick the winner in the 62nd minute but Galway captain Colm Mac Donncha produced a superb block to deny the sharpshooter. Sligo captain Canice Mulligan then saw his long range effort drop short into Egan’s hands. This allowed the Tribesmen to drive forward in search of a last gasp winner.

With less than 30 seconds of injury time remaining, Sam O’Neill burst in to the Sligo ’45 but he took a moment too long before pulling the trigger. This allowed Sligo midfielder Conor Sheridan to produce a vital block before Galway sub Daithí Kilcommins grabbed the loose ball. However, he was quickly enveloped by four Sligo players and was subsequently overturned. Sligo replacement Walsh broke forward and after exchanging passes with Dylan Walsh, he burst in to the Galway ’45.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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