Galway 1-11

Mayo 0-9

DARREN KELLY IN KILTOOM

ANDREA Trill’s final minute goal capped off a summer afternoon of returns last Sunday as Galway reclaimed the Connacht senior ladies football championship they relinquished last year.

Trill had made two cameo appearances during their league relegation campaign. But after being introduced just minutes earlier, she finished off a perfectly orchestrated team move for the green flag that could final kick-start Galway’s year.

A dominant, near flawless, second period saw Daniel Moynihan’s team go five points clear. But thanks to three Lisa Cafferky frees, this contest remained on a knife edge when Galway weathered another attack before winning a free with 59 seconds remaining.

Nicola Ward launched the ball from her own corner back position before Chellene Trill, another back from injury, flicked the ball down for Leanne Coen. The Corofin winger sent Andrea Trill on the run before she forced a stop from Laura Brennan.

However, the Claregalway forward had another go and despite being held back, stuck her boot out to finish to the net and Galway were provincial champions for the 18th time.

What happened in the spring didn’t matter. And there are no guarantees when they face the Munster runners-up (Cork or Kerry) and Laois on the national stage in June. This was all about taking back bragging rights over their neighbours following three recent defeats.

Mayo denied Galway’s drive-for-five in last year’s Connacht Final. And they eliminated the girls in maroon with a 0-10 to 1-6 victory in Pearse Stadium in the All-Ireland quarter-final.

And last January, two Lisa Cafferky goals gave Liam McHale his first win in the green and red bib, starting Galway on their path to Division 2 football in 2025.

Pictured: Galway’s Emma Reaney is chased by Mayo’s Nicola O’Malley and Erin Murray during Sunday’s Connacht Senior Ladies Football Final in Kiltoom. Photos: David Cunniffe.