Galway 0-9

Meath 0-9

Ivan Smyth at Páirc Tailteann

AOIFE O’Rourke’s 59th minute free helped Galway earn a share of the spoils in a thrilling NFL Division 1 encounter at Pairc Tailteann on Monday.

In truth, this was a game Galway were edging for the most part but when Meath kicked three scores in a row to push themselves 0-9 to 0-8 as the clock ticked towards the 57th minute, the Tribeswomen appeared to be heading for their first defeat of the year.

Although Meath are trying to build after a turnover of players from last year, Galway went toe to toe with the reigning All-Ireland champions without the Leonard cousins – Tracey and Roisin, who were not part of the matchday panel.

That sense was only magnified when Galway initially tried to carve out an opportunity for the equaliser but with Meath placing all 15 players behind the ball, the otherwise impressive Aoife Molloy was overturned by Aoife Minogue. The Meath midfielder strode forward and with Eimile Gavin the last line of defence, the corner back needed to halt Minogue.

Gavin did just that and managed to force the turnover which proved vital to the end result. Galway countered quickly and with Meath’s cohort out of position as they sought to provide support for Minogue, Louise Ward gathered possession before embarking on a trademark surge from deep as she won the free which O’Rourke converted.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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