Galway 3-19

London 0-4

By DARREN KELLY IN BEKAN

GALWAY found little trouble disposing of London last Saturday as they ran out comfortable 24-point winners over visitors playing the first of two fixtures on successive days.

Michael Maher’s exiles, featuring Galway duo Micheál O’Reilly and Liam Murphy, drew with Sligo 1-11 to 0-14 meaning they’ll contest the Plate Final next week.

But for the Tribesmen, only a shock loss to Leitrim this Saturday (Tuam Stadium, 1pm) will deny them a place in the cup decider.

Colm Costello and Ciarán Mulhern (2) were the goal scorers with the first two sealing the contest by the 20th minute for a team featuring just four players from last year’s All-Ireland quarter-final defeat to Meath.

Seán Fitzgerald was given the captain’s armband with Jack Glynn beside him in the full back line. Daniel O’Flaherty raided the attacking wing while Johnny McGrath entered the fray before half-time.

The drop to 30 minute halves was questionable but these tournaments are always about new players auditioning for a more prominent role with their respective counties.

Twenty-five saw game time for Galway and some did shine, most notably Brian Cogger at wing back, Mulhern and Shane McGrath. Colm Costello showed he can be more influential in 2026 while Mikey Mulryan’s contribution from the bench surely earns him a start this weekend.

London also lined out with just three players from last year’s championship team (Andy Walsh, Nathan McElwaine and Liam Gallagher) as they looked to make an impression. Following the early exchanges, Mulhern set up Jack Mullen for Galway’s opening point on two minutes.

But Mullen’s opportunity ended just two minutes later when he appeared to pull his hamstring. McGrath got his first in the fifth minute thanks to Ryan Roche’s industry.

Referee Ronan Hynes was particularly fussy on steps on a cool, calm night at the Connacht GAA centre. The teams adapted and Mulhern’s through ball on nine minutes led to Costello converting from a mark.

Pictured: Dunmore MacHales’ Colm Costello who scored a goal and six points in Galway’s big FBD League win over London in Bekan on Saturday.