Big Weekend Ahead for Boston GAA

By Rory O’Donnell

Next Sunday, November 22, sees the much anticipated Super 11s hurling exhibition at the oldest, most famous baseball stadium in the world, Fenway Park.  The event is sponsored by AIG, the Fenway Sports Group, and the GPA and follows Saturday’s sold out (American) football game between Notre Dame and Boston College at the same venue.  Galway and Dublin will meet as part of a weekend celebrating Irish culture that will also feature Boston’s Dropkick Murphy’s providing some added entertainment to the day.  With more than 18,000 tickets already sold, it is fair to say that the game has captured the imagination of the locals and is one of the biggest GAA events to come to Boston in recent years. 

The locals will get the chance to meet the
Galway hurlers at the ICC Saturday.

The Super 11s format was conceived by the GPA to allow the skills of hurling to be showcased in stadiums outside of Ireland that are not large enough to host a full hurling match.  Notre Dame University hosted a Super 11s game two years ago between Leinster and Munster.  The strategy is to elevate the profile of the sport in the United States and build a base of support.

 

With heavy hitting sponsors and promoters behind the event, combined with the novelty of gaelic games at Fenway, the game is getting the attention of a whole new audience, in addition to the local GAA community.  With local sports stations and media outlets giving the game exposure, and a heavy media presence at the game, it represents a golden opportunity to promote the games at grass roots level in the region.  

The local GAA will get a chance to showcase the tremendous efforts that are underway to grow the games from the ground up.  Under 6 to Under 14 players from the region’s youth teams will escort the players on to the field and some lucky kids will have the opportunity to display their gaelic football and hurling skills on the famous turf during half-time games.  The adult board will also have the chance to distribute information about the more than 20 clubs operating in the New England area and the 2015 Boston champions in all grades will be recognized before the game.

It will be a return visit for several of the players who are traveling next week.  Members of both counties have played in Boston in recent years; Galway’s Iarla Tannian played for a number of seasons with Fr. Tom Burke’s, while Andy Smith togged for the Galway hurlers.  From the Dublin team, Ryan O’Dwyer has played multiple seasons with Wexford, and fellow Dublin players Liam Rushe and David “Dotsy” O’Callaghan played with the Galway Hurling Club. 

There will be no fraternizing with the enemy in the lead up as the panels are being kept apart before the game.  However, there will be a great chance for the locals to get up close and personal with the Galway players on Saturday.  The Galway Hurlers will hold an open practice at the Irish Cultural Center, the home of the Boston GAA, at 11:00am, in preparation for Sunday’s game.  The players will also conduct coaching for underage players, and all are welcome to meet and greet the players. 

While it is primarily a hurling weekend, there will be an added treat, for Dubliners especially.  The All Ireland Football Champions will also be in town at the weekend.  Paddy Andrews, Dean Rock, Mick Fitzsimons, John Small, Tomas Brady and Eoin Culligan will be bringing the Sam Maguire to Boston.  There will be a reception Saturday evening at Porter Belly’s in Brighton and then again on Sunday night at 6:00 at The Grand Canal in downtown Boston.  All are welcome to meet the players and take photos with the cup.    

So, there is something for everybody to enjoy on what promises to be a weekend to remember.  

Tickets are available online at http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/bos/ticketing/irish_festival.jsp

Sunday August 14 - Senior Football Q/F: Donegal v Galway

Donegal 2-13 Galway 1-20


The first quarter final of the day between Galway and Donegal was a real humdinger of an affair, a game in which all five of Galway’s forwards scored multiple times. The sides could not be separated at the end of a tense and exciting first half, and the first playoff game of the season went into additional minutes. It was close for most of the extra period but with just over 5 minutes to go James Carroll broke the deadlock with a fantastically taken goal that saw Galway through to their first senior football semi-final in over 20 years.

Donegal's Mark Molloy and Galway's James Carroll tussle.

The first half of the game belonged to Galway in terms of play, but not on the scoreboard. The westerners played some periods of slick passing football and tallied six points after conceding an unfortunate early goal. Donegal’s Collie Carr lined up a free from near the sideline. The shot was low and slipped through the hands of Eoghan Kavanagh into the net. Galway did not let the early setback unsettle them. Donegal were forced to foul on several occasions as the speedy Galway forwards threatened on several occasions. Galway’s Kevin Cummins capitalized with some well struck points. Points were also sent over the bar from James Carroll, Danny Reddin and David Kelly. With Galway looking like taking the break with a well earned lead, the tables turned. Following two late points from the northerners a second goal came after the ball was bundled over the line from close range. At the half Donegal held a lead of three points.

Danny McBride in action.

Galway wasted no time catching up after the break with scores from Carroll, Cummins, and Reddin. Donegal played better football in the second half however, and regained the initiative. Carr pointed twice and was followed by a 45 from Brian White. Given the back and forth nature of the game, back came Galway with three points on the trot. The scoring followed an uncanny sequence as Donegal again strung three points together only for Galway to match it with three of their own in an exciting final 10 minutes. Each side had chances to score to win the game down the stretch. Galway looked to have had a case for a penalty right at the end of normal time after Cummins looked to have been tripped, but referee John Fitzpatrick felt otherwise. The first knockout game of the season, and we had overtime.


At the end of the first period of extra time there Galway led by two points. Donegal opened the second period with a point and it began to look as if we might be in for another tight finish until Carroll changed all that with a well taken goal. Carroll turned his man and aimed the shot well giving the keeper no chance. Donegal could not recover from the setback and Galway joy was evident in the stands as the club reaches its first semi-final two decades where they meet western rivals, Connemara Gaels.

Donegal: L. Mailey, N. Byrne, M. Canning, D. McBride (0-1), T. Caldwell, P. O’Connor, D. McNulty, B. White (1-3), K. Curran, E. Doonan, E. Sheehy (0-2), C. Carr (1-3), J. Doherty. Galway: P. McComiskey, G. Dunphy, D. Walsh, J. Kehoe, A. McFadden, S. Gallagher, A. Shore, E. Kavanagh, G. O’Connor (0-2), K. Cummins (0-8), D. Reddin (0-2), J. Carroll (1-6), D. Kelly (0-2).


By Rory O'Donnell

May 29 - Senior Football: Donegal v Galway

Donegal 0-8 Galway 0-7

Steven Walsh shoots for Galway as Danny McBride blocks.

There was just the one game Sunday at the ICC in Canton. Donegal lined out with two Ballybofey men in the middle of the field, each at either end of their football careers. Donegal stalwart, Michael McGinty, and new arrival, Andrew Bonner manned the middle for the northerners for the 60 minutes. Donegal huffed and puffed in the first half, while Galway did much better than their opponents moving the ball. Galway’s half time lead of two points could have been more had the Brighton men taken their chances, but Donegal lifted their game in the second half to record their second victory of the season.

Galway defended well in the first half and did well moving the ball when in possession. The half forwards were very involved in Galway’s attacking moves, and corner forward Kevin Cummins caused numerous problems for the Donegal defence. Cummins put four points over the bar in the first period. Three were from frees, two of which the Roscommon native won himself. The fourth from play was a very well taken score. Donegal looked to play the long ball into David Busteed and Ronan Reilly in the corners, but did not meet with much success in the first half. The Galway back line stuck well to their task and more often than not the ball came in the direction of the Donegal goal. Reilly and Busteed combined for Donegal’s best score of the half, something that Donegal would have hoped to see more of. Collie Carr and Andrew Bonner accounted for the other two points of Donegal’s first half tally, while Danny Reddin was the other Galway scorer. At the half Galway led by a score of 0-5 to 0-3.

Peter Ryan tries to break through the Donegal rearguard.

Donegal made a change in the forward line to start the second half. David Busteed and Jamie Doherty switched places. Galway almost extended their lead soon after the restart however. Cummins beat his defender and passed across the face of goal to Gearoid O’Connor. O’Connor’s shot from close range was blocked for a 45 by Emmet Doonan on the line. That was as good as it got for Galway for most of the second period. With the half twelve minutes old Donegal claimed the lead. Andrew Bonner played a big part in the Donegal effort. Donegal recorded the first score of the half. Following a Bonner run, Jamie Doherty put a fine point over the bar from a tight angle. Ronan Reilly followed with a pointed free and the sides were level. Donegal’s go ahead point came from David Busteed chasing back and winning the ball, for Doherty to finish with another great score. Bonner added another point with a bursting run through the Galway defence, Danny McBride extended the lead to three soon after. It was Galway coughing up the ball now as the Donegal defence tightened, and several attacks came to naught. Cummins had to come deeper than he would have liked to see the ball and rarely had a chance to shoot. Galway did get within a point in the late stages of the game and had Donegal hanging on to their slender lead for the last 5 minutes. Peter Nolan recorded a score off his left boot and Gearoid O’Connor brought Galway within one two minutes later. It was a tense last 5 minutes as Donegal hung on. O’Connor could have salvaged a point for Galway. O’Connor dummied his man and having brilliantly made the opening, fluffed his shot and dragged it wide. Two out of two for Donegal,and Galway still looking for their first win of the season.

Donegal: L. Mailey, H. Devine, M. Canney, P. McLoughlin, E. Doonan, D. McBride, M. McGinty, A. Bonner, J. Doherty, K. Curran, C. Carr, R. Reilly, D. Busteed. Galway: D. Faragher, S. Gallagher, P. Cummins, E. Costello, G. Dunphy, J. Kehoe, E. Kavanagh, P. Ryan, G. O’Connor, P. Nolan, D. Reddin, S. Walsh, K. Cummins.

By Rory O’Donnell

May 21: Senior Football Championship: Aidan McAnespies v Galway

Aidan McAnespies 1-9 Galway 0-7


Galway pushed Aidan McAnespies right to the finish line in the opening senior football championship outing for each club. The Pat O’Brien Cup winners came through in the end in large part thanks to the performance of Paul O’Donoghue at corner forward. The man who came from the St. Mary’s club in Kerry got the critical scores in final stages of the game to ensure the first points of the season.

Galway's Eoghan Costello and Plunkett Kane of McAnespies.

By the time the first 30 minutes were over McAnespies held a four-point lead. The scorers were well spread throughout the forward line. O’Donoghue was the main provider with three points, while fellow St. Mary’s man, Sean Cournane accounted for another as did Stephen Magill. Midfielders Plunkett Kane and Philip Toner also got on the scoresheet. Galway corner forward Kevin Cummins caused lots of problems for the McAnespies back line. So much so that the McAnespies management switched Niall Kerr from center back to mark the Roscommon native who had got Galway on the scoreboard.


Galway almost made their opponents pay for several missed chances in the second half. For the first 20 minutes McAnespies failed to score and Galway inched closer. Having scored the first three points of the half, the third coming from Gearoid O’Connor, a surprise result was on the cards. McAnespies, however, made sure that would not happen. O’Donoghue netted and added two more points to put the game out of Galway’s reach. McAnespies on the board with two championship points, and for Galway, we could be hearing more from them as the season moves on.


Galway: JJ O’Neill, G. Dunphy, S. Gallagher, E. Costello, P. Cummins, J. Kehoe, E. Kavanagh, P. Ryan, G. O’Connor, P. Nolan, D. Reddin, D. Redmond, K. Cummins. Macs: C. Kendrick, M. Bogue, A. McAnespie, S. Hughes, N. Kerr, N. Gallen, P. Toner, P. Kane, M. Little, C. McCrory, S. Magill, P. O’Donoghue, S. Cournane.


By Rory O'Donnell

Sheehan Cup Second Round: Galway v Tipperary

Tipperary 0-21 Galway 1-7


Galway and Tipperary contested the opening game of the day. It was a complete turnaround from last week for Tipp who registered 21 points. Tipp no doubt were eager to make up for last week’s sub-par showing against Wexford, while for Galway it was their first outing of the year. The first half was mostly an evenly contested affair, however, Tipp came to grips with the game and ran away with it in the second half. Cronan Dempsey put in a captains performance in the middle of the field, while at the back John Roache and Brian Howley played well.

Tipp's John Kindregan and Galway's John Moylan.

There was not much between the teams in the first half. Stephen Brown opened the scoring for Galway with a well taken point. Tipp answered with three, one each from Andy McRedmond, Paul McGrath, and a John Roache free taken from well inside his own half of the field. In between John Moylan almost had the ball in the back of the net for Galway, however, Darragh Kealy got down well to make the save. Galway had trouble finding the men in the full forward line and many’s a ball dropped in was easy picking for Kealy in the Tipp goal. The Galway back line did well clearing their lines, center back Killian Murphy was busy for much of the half. Tipp stretched their lead as the half wore on and the pressure began to tell, yet fortunately for Galway not by as much as they could have. Tipp missed several good scoring chances. McRedmond pointed again and Roache fired over a ’70. Galway answered with points from Brown and Moylan, but Tipp had control over affairs. Towards the end of the half Tipp put four unanswered points over the bar, Brian Howley, McGrath, and Colm McCrory hitting the mark. At the half Tipp led by a score of 0-9 to 0-5.

Tipp killed the game off early in the second half. Playing with the breeze, it was a procession of scores from the men in blue and gold. Tipp opened up a 12 point lead before Galway could register a score. Every Tipp forward got on the scoreboard, however the pick of the scores in the second half came from Cronan Dempsey in midfield and John Roache from corner back. Galway tried to shuffle the forward line around, however could get nothing going save for a late consolation goal from Stephen Brown. A great turnaround performance from Tipp after last week’s flop, and Galway looking for some improvement next week.

Galway: C. Fahy, J. Kinsella, G. Sherlock, M. Brooks, K. Murphy, K. Finnegan, D. McMahon, A. Callnan, S. McComiskey, S. Brown, L. Byrne, N. Galvin, J. Moylan. Tipp: D. Kealey, J. Kindregan, J. Roache, A. McAnespie, B. Howley, J. Duane, C. Dempsey, M. Jordan, A. McRedmond, P. McGrath, C. McCrory, J. McGrath, S. Sinnott.


By Rory O'Donnell

Galway Hurling Club of Boston Celebrates 100 Years

Just over a century ago, Joseph Coen arrived in Boston from Ardrahan, County Galway, and founded the Galway Hurling Club.  Thousands have followed the same path since then, and charted the course of the club over the past 100 years.  Last Saturday evening 500 people thronged Florian Hall to celebrate the historic occasion.  People traveled from near and far, including Ireland and New York to be present for the event.  Reaching right back to the founding of the club, Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren of Joseph Coen were in attendance.  Also present were Chairman of the Overseas Committee, Joe McDonagh, Galway County Board Chairman, Joe Bergin, and Galway hurling stars of the 1980’s, Conor Hayes and Sylvie Linnane.  North American County Board Chairman, Joe Lydon, and Boston North East Division Chairman John Farrell were also there to mark the occasion.

Josie Fahy, a member of the club for 32 years, did a fantastic job MC’ing for the night.  Joe Bergin addressed the crowd and talked about the connections between Galway and Boston and how with the economic struggles at home, it is comforting to know that young hurlers who choose to make the journey to Boston will be in good hands connecting to a club this side of the Atlantic Ocean.  Joe McDonagh, Overseas Committee Chairman, addressed the crowd with a rousing speech.  McDonagh talked about the different eras of the Galway Hurling Club and named the people involved in guiding the club over the last century as though he knew each and every one personally.  McDonagh also recounted a recent visit that he paid to San Francisco to commemorate the first winners of a NACB championship, San Francisco in 1960, and recalled that it was Galway that San Francisco defeated in the final that year.  Joe paid tribute to a central figure in the history of the Galway Hurling Club and the North American County Board, the departed John Hehir.  McDonagh made his view on the issue of most Boston teams not traveling to the NACB finals in Chicago in 2010 clear by appealing to the clubs of Boston to recognize the legacy of John Hehir by participating in the 2011 finals. 

The crowd celebrated well into the night with music from local entertainer, Dan Hallissey.  100 years is a long time in any language and is a real testament to those who have steered the club through thick and thin during that time.  An interesting point of note is that Galway Hurling Club of New York celebrates it’s centenary in two years time. 

GAA Overseas Chairman Joe McDonagh addresses the crowd.

Conor Hayes and Big Jack Hanlon

Sylvie Linnane and Ollie Ahearne

Sun August 22 - Senior Hurling Semi-Final: Galway v Wexford

Galway 4-19 Wexford 1-10


Galway progressed to the senior hurling final as they defeated last years finalists, Wexford, in a surprisingly one sided game. Galway adapted to the wet, heavy conditions and with their forward line on song, the tribesmen established a nine point half time lead. Wexford’s performance in the second half was much improved, however, scoring was something that Wexford were having trouble with. The difference between the sides was so great that there was little to excite the neutrals in the crowd in the second half. Wexford did not have the services of Ryan O’Dwyer or Stephen White to avail of, both players a big loss against a Galway side that came out swinging.

Galway's Aidan Callnan clears his lines against Wexford.

Galway held a decided advantage at the end of the first half. The forward line fired on all cylinders. The two Willies, O’Dwyer and Hyland, accounted for eight of Galway’s eleven first half points. With the free taking duties, Hyland had eight to his credit, and O’Dwyer two at the end of the first 30. Wexford struggled to adapt to the conditions, while Galway dug in and did a good job keeping Wexford’s forward line from doing much damage. In the half back line Aidan Callnan and Eoin Whooley worked hard on the wings and Brian Regan held center back well. An early goal for Galway helped settle the westerners. Hyland played a long ball in and Enda Concannon got a touch to direct the ball past Edmund Sprune in the Wexford goal. Wexford hit back shortly afterwards. Peter Ryan netted in similar fashion for Wexford. JJ Kenny’s shot from a tight angle was batted down by Eric Ward and Ryan was waiting to tap the ball into the net from close range. Wexford, however, struggled to come to grips with the game and Galway looked purposeful in controlling affairs. After opening a four point lead, Galway hit with a second goal, again from Concannon. Dominic Magill and JJ Kenny put back to back points over for Wexford, but Galway strung four scores together in the run in to half time. At the half it was Galway well ahead, 2-11 to 1-5.

Galway continued their blitz in the second half. After Hyland extended the lead with a point, Willie O’Dwyer ran through the Wexford defence and belted home Galway’s third goal from 21 yards. Still 25 minutes to go and the game was pretty much up for Wexford. Galway’s lead was extended to 13 points mid-way through the half, and while Wexford’s performance was a notch or two higher than it had been in the first half, putting points on the scoreboard proved to be a tough endeavor. Wexford were forced to go looking for goals early. A Joe Maher 21 yard free was drilled at a wall of maroon shirts and bounced off it. Soon afterwards substitute James Foley found himself clean through, but his low shot was acrobatically saved by Eric Ward. Galway saw out the game with a trolley of points from Concannon and Hyland. Concannon completed his hat trick of goals in injury time. Galway may not have expected to have it so easy against Wexford. Tipp next Sunday will be an entirely different matter.

Galway: E. Ward, P. Nolan, S. Curley, A. Callnan, B. Regan, Whooley, G. Lally (0-1), S. Dineen, S. Maher (0-1), W. O’Dwyer (1-2), W. Hyland (0-11), S. Murphy (0-1), E. Concannon (2-4). Wexford: E. Sprune, B. Dalton, B. Healy, S. Prendergast, D. McGill (0-2), D. Redmond, D. Lyng, J. Kehoe (0-1), G. O’Connor (0-3), J.J. Kenny (0-1), T. Maloney, J. Maher (0-1), P. Ryan (1-0). Sub: J. Foley (0-2).


By Rory O'Donnell

Senior Football: Aiden McAnespies v Galway - August 15

Galway 1-7 McAnespies 2-17


There would be no heroics from Galway on Sunday to pull off an unlikely senior semi final place. McAnespies proved to be just too good for the Brighton boys, though fight hard they did. Galway trailed by five points at the break, and one wondered if the maroon would pull out a second half display like they did the previous week – but it was not to be. McAnespies got a strong performance from Neil Donaghy in midfield, and Tiernan Diamond again put in a defence splitting performance at center forward, to put the screws in. Two second half goals saw off Galway’s challenge and the westerners now have to settle for the intermediate playoffs.

Neil Donaghy and Niall Kilcoyne battle for posession.

McAnespies looked to be comfortably dealing with the Galway challenge in the first period. Before ten minutes were out McAnespies held a five points to no score advantage over their opponents. Neil Donaghy was having his best game of the year in the middle of the field, while Thomas Corrigan was on form. Galway opened their account through the place kicking of Gearoid O’Connor and settled into the game – albeit at a five point disadvantage. Galway worked hard in defence in the face of sustained pressure, and once again Shane Melia and Paul Cummins did well dealing with tough assignments in Corrigan and CJ McGourty. O’Connor added two more points and Niall Kilcoyne a third for Galway before the half was over, while Donnacha Tobin and McGourty kept McAnespies five-point lead intact.

Tony McClelland rounds Galway's Gags O'Connor.

Colm McCrory extended McAnespies lead to six shortly after the restart, but Galway answered with points from O’Connor and Ryan O’Dwyer. Was the Galway comeback about to happen? It seemed like it could be on the cards as when McAnespies won a penalty, Tobin was dragged by the shirt in the penalty area, McGourty’s placed effort came off the post. McGourty made up for the miss a minute later however. Corrigan played the Antrim man in and McGourty made no mistake with the goal chance. Corrigan added a point to put McAnespies in a formidable eight point lead and 15 minutes left. Adrian Kelly accounted for the lone Galway point down the stretch, while Luke Sweetman pointed after entering the fray, and Tobin added a goal and a point. McAnespies now have the chance to make amends for last year’s semi-final defeat at the hands of Christopher’s as the teams will meet in the first of next Sunday’s semi-finals.

Galway: A. Ready, S. Melia, P. Cummins, S. Gallagher, R. O’Dwyer (0-1), JJ O’Neill, N. Kilcoyne (0-1), P. Ryan, P. Hackett, G. O’Connor (0-4), P. Nolan, A. Kelly (0-2), D. Corbett. Macs: S. Connolly, B. O’Reilly, M. Bogue, D. Wylie, T. McClelland, C. O’Sullivan, B. McGarr, N. Donaghy (0-2), D. Tobin (1-2), T. Diamond, C. McCrory (0-3), T. Corrigan (0-5), CJ McGourty (1-2). Sub: L. Sweetman (0-1)


By Rory O'Donnell

Senior Football: Galway v Shannon Blues - Aug 8

Shannon Blues 1-7 Galway 1-9

Galway put on a second half display of great ball movement and hard work to overcome a five point half time deficit and keep themselves in with a shout for the senior football championship. The result leaves the Blues effectively out of the running for the top four. Galway worked hard in the back line to keep the Blues forwards under wraps, while up front a great display from Adrian Kelly and Gearoid O’Connor saw Galway chip away at the Blues lead in the second half and put the winning points over the bar in the final minutes.

Noel Galvin and the Shannon Blues could not stop the second half maroon tide.

Galway struggled to get into the game in the first 30 minutes. Two points was the all that the tribesmen had to show for their efforts. The Blues opened a four points to no score lead over the first 15 minutes. It could have been more were it not for the play of the Galway corner backs. Shane Melia and Paul Cummins kept the game from getting away from Galway with some timely interceptions. With Galway on the ropes, the Blues delivered what could have been a knockout blow with a goal from Paul O’Connor. Alan Holland, who proved to be the Blues main threat up front, provided the assist and O’Connor put away his first score of the game. The goal put the Blues up by six points, and really it could have been more. Gearoid O’Connor pointed just before half time to make it 1-4 to 0-2 in the Blues favour at the break.

Gearoid "Gags" O'Connor put the winner over the bar for Galway.

Galway took over in the second half and had taken the lead before the Blues got their first score of the second period. Galway played with seemingly endless determination and spirit. The Blues forwards had a hard time of it as the Galway back line hunted the man in possession until a turnover was forced. Meanwhile, when in possession, Galway worked hard for each other to move the ball well until it found a man in scoring position. Anthony Reddy in goal for Galway also played a part, and came to the rescue on one occasion with Paul O’Connor clean through. Reddy got down well to make an excellent save and prevent Galway spirits from possibly sagging. A Blues goal at that point could have broken up the comeback effort. Galway’s points came from Tom Walsh and Gearoid O’Connor (3). With Galway trailing by a point, O’Connor won a penalty after his shot was blocked by the foot of a Blues defender. Adrian Kelly shot low to the keeper’s left and Galway led by two points. The Blues were shaken out of their sluggishness and hit back. Alan Holland brought the Blues back within a point, but Conrad O’Reilly finished a lovely Galway move to point in reply. The Blues brought things level again with points from Holland and a surging effort from JP Murphy, but it was Galway who had the final say. Gearoid O’Connor beautifully tipped a 50/50 ball to himself and turned and pointed from close range. O’Reilly put the insurance point over the bar after being fed by Kelly. A great second half display from Galway, and with two big wins behind them it gives a great boost going into their biggest game of the season next week against Aiden McAnespies.

Blues: D. Hawes, S. Kelly, N. Galvin, JP Murphy (0-1), D. McElligott, B. Russell, M. O’Brien, L. Jennings, P. Murray, A. Holland (0-6), S. Sinnott, K. Kileen, P. O’Connor (1-0). Galway: A. Reddy, P. Cummins, S. Melia, JJ O’Neill (0-1), M. Normile, S. Gallagher, P. Ryan, R. O’Dwyer, C. O’Reilly (0-2), G. O’Connor (0-5), P. Nolan, A. Kelly (1-0), D. Corbett. Sub: T. Walsh (0-1).


By Rory O'Donnell

Senior Hurling: Tipperary v Galway - Aug 1

Tipperary 2-16 Galway 0-13


A fine performance from the Tipperary half back line formed the basis for a well earned win over Galway on Sunday. The Tipp backs stifled the Galway forwards and choked off any chance the Tribesmen had of adding to their points total in the senior hurling championship. At the other end of the field, Tipp made good use their possession and with 15 minutes to go the game was as good as over.

Wille Hyland lines up a shot for Galway.

The first half took some time to open up, and each side generated chances at goal, Tipp capitalized on one of theirs thanks to Colin Fennelly who gave the keeper no chance with about 20 minutes played. The half had been fairly evenly contested up to that point, but Tipp picked up their game coming up to the half time break. The back line for Tipp swarmed any Galway forward who found himself in possession and provided little room for the Galway forwards to shoot. Galway did have a great chance of a goal. At one stage Shane Maher found himself with the keeper to beat but his touch on the ball pushed it a bit too far ahead to have a real go at it. Galway hung with Tipp in the early going, just before the goal came it was three points apiece. Martin Boran and Shane Bourke pointing for Tipp while Enda Concannon, Willie O’Dwyer, and Shane Murphy did likewise for Galway, Murphy’s point a beauty from about 65 yards out on the sideline. Tipp’s half back line kicked into a higher gear as the game wore on and controlled the remaining three quarters. Bourke and Boran pointed before the half time whistle while Hyland and O’Dwyer pointed for Galway to make it a 1-7 to 0-5 Tipp lead at the break.

Kieran Joyce tries to lift the ball for Tipp while Shane Maher challenges.

The game got away entirely from Galway in the second half. It seemed like the westerners were working their way back into it with points from Hyland, Concannon, and Shane Murphy, but all that was immediately cancelled out with a Martin Boran goal. Shane Maher had a great chance to get the goal back. Bearing down on goal Maher let fly from 21 yards and Tom Lowrey made a fine save to deny the Galwaymen. That missed chance lifted Tipp and Galway spirits seemed to sink. Boran struck three frees in a row over the bar, and with the difference standing at nine points Tipp took full control. Gleeson, Joyce, and Hickey gobbled up with relish practically every ball played into their line, and the Tipp forwards converted the possession. Paul McGrath eventually got on the scoresheet, Burke, Boran, and Gleeson added to Galway’s woes. Tipperary looking hard to beat while it is back to the drawing board for Galway.


Tipp: T. Lowry, B. Kenny, J. Kindregan, E. Gleeson, K. Joyce, S. Hickey, C. Dempsey, M. Gleeson (0-1), C. Fennelly (1-0), M. Boran (1-11), D. McNicholas, S. Bourke (0-3), P. McGrath (0-1). Galway: E. Ward, J. O’Callaghan, C. O’Driscoll, P. Nolan, B. Regan, A. Callaghan, G. Lally, S. Murphy (0-4), S. Dineen, S. Maher, E. Concannon (0-2), W. Hyland (0-3), W. O’Dwyer (0-4).


By Rory O'Donnell

July 18 - Senior Football: Cork v Galway

Galway 0-15 Cork 1-8

Cork lost the plot in the second half of their game with Galway. With the sides level at the half and Cork playing some good football, the rebels looked like they forgot the way to goal in the second period. That said, the teams were level going into the final 10 minutes and Cork had every chance, but it was Galway who worked better as a team in the latter stages and put some distance between them and their opponents.

Cork's Shane McCarthy and Galway's Michael Normile contest a high ball.


Things were all square at the end of the first half. Cork goaled with about 20 minutes gone through Aaron Cahilane. Cork won the ball in the back line and thanks for some neat passing from their corner forwards, the ball found Cahilane barreling through the center and the Kerry native buried it. Stephen O’Donoghue worked hard in midfield for Cork throughout. Much of Cork’s possession came from the Bishopstown man’s hard work. Niall Devlin and Arlen Aherne had Cork’s first two points, and just before Cork’s goal from Cahilane, Colin Crowley almost netted for the southerners but JJ O’Neill cleared off the line. Cork wasted a good handful of scoring chances, while for their part Galway kept picking off the points. Even though it seemed that even though the ball spent more time in Cork hands, Galway kept pace and were more efficient with their chances. Dave Corbett opened their account, Gearoid O’Connor tallied three for the tribesmen in the first period. Peter Nolan put two over the bar – one with each foot, and Jarlath McGeeney also pointed for the westerners. Anthony Seymour and Aaron Cahilane accounted for the balance of Cork’s points, and at the half it was all square at 0-7 to 1-4.

Cork's Niall Devlin and Galway's Peter Ryan tussle for posession.


Galway showed more guile going forward in the second half. Cork did not show much in the way of imagination and more often than not, returned the ball right back into Galway hands. When Cork did engineer a scoring chance the final effort was all too often a poor one. Also, the fact that center back, Aaron Cahilane, who had scored 1-1 in the first half, had to exit proceedings did not help the rebels cause. Galway looked the more dangerous side going forward. O’Connor and Ryan O’Dwyer combined well in the early going, and Jarlath McGeeney and Dave Corbett each pointed. Corbett could have had a goal, but blazed his effort over the bar after being played in well. Arlen Aherne pointed for Cork and then won the kickout; Shane McCarthy leveled the scores from the possession. After O’Connor put Galway one to the good with a free, Stephen O’Donoghue leveled again with a solo effort. O’Donoghue ran about 50 yards himself and popped the ball over – a score that was in fact indicative of Cork’s problems going forward. Danny Reddin then had a goal chance saved by John O’Toole at the other end, but Cork failed to clear and John Joe O’Neill pointed and was followed by Gearoid O’Connor to put Galway two up. Galway introduced Conrad Reilly and with the game still not over – a Cork goal could still win it – Reilly pointed three times in the final three minutes to secure the win for Galway.

Galway: A. Reddy, P. Cummins, S. Melia, S. Gallagher, M. Normile, JJ O’Neill (0-1), P. Ryan, R. O’Dwyer, J. McGeeney (0-2), G. O’Connor (0-5), P. Nolan (0-2), D. Reddin, D. Corbett (0-2). Sub, C. Reilly (0-3). Cork: J. O’Toole, K. O’Leary, C. Caffrey, D. Kearns, A. Cahilane (1-1), J. Foley, S. O’Donoghue (0-1), R. Murphy, A. Seymour (0-1), S. McCarthy (0-1), A. Aherne (0-2), N. Devlin (0-1), C. Crowley .

By Rory O'Donnell

July 17 - Senior Hurling: Fr. Tom Burke's v Galway

Fr. Tom Burke’s 0-8 Galway 1-11

Galway pulled away in the second half of a low scoring affair to secure an important win in this clash of rivals. With 17 scores in the first half one may have expected to see the same in the second, but it turned out to be a mirror image with the scoreboard moving just six times, and it was only in the Galway column that moved. Tom’s cause was not helped by nagging injuries to center back Darryl Dooley and center forward Fran Keenan. The sides kept pace in the first half, but Galway pulled away in a controlled second half performance, and kept Tom’s scoreless for over 30 minutes.

Tom's John O'Loughlin contests with Galway's Willie Hyland. 


The first half was evenly contested. While it would not be described as flowing hurling, the sides kept pace with each other. Willie Hyland, Greg Lally, and Willie O’Dwyer all found the mark for Galway, Lally putting a nice point over and O’Dwyer punishing some tentativeness in the Tom’s back line when clearing the ball. For Tom’s Fran Keenan, Ciaran Moore, and Trevor Kelly kept the scoreboard ticking. Things began to get a little rambunctious just before half time, and Ciaran Moore and Jamie McCormack were each yellow carded for an off the ball episode. At the break Galway led by a single point, 0-9 to 0-8.

Ciaran Moore fields cleanly for Tom's despite the attention of Eoin Whooley.


The game had a little more bite to it in the second half, however, Tom’s Fran Keenan had left the fray due to his injury and Tom’s lacked a scoring punch for the period. Galway’s Hyland extended the lead five minutes into the second period, and a long scoreless period ensued. Dooley soldiered at center back for Tom’s, and the Galway backs swallowed up everything sent in their direction. Trailing by a couple of points, Tom’s needed something to change their fortunes up front. Eanna Murphy and Conor Neylon were introduced to the fray in the hope of registering a score. Galway on the other hand had also introduced some fresh legs, and James Dowling who came on in midfield did very well as did Enda Concannon. And while they were not exactly lighting up the scoreboard themselves, Galway’s back line looked like they had the measure of the Tom’s forward line. Willie Hyland put a well worked point over the bar, and then spurned a chance of a goal. With Galway a goal ahead, Keenan was reintroduced by Tom’s, but it was Galway who got the goal to double their lead. Tom’s keeper Joe Keane got under a high ball, but under pressure was unable to catch it and Aiden Callinan was first to the break to poke the ball home.

Tom’s desperately needed a goal now, and did pull a save out of Eric Ward. Trevor Kelly was played through but Ward was up to his angled shot. Ciaran Moore was given his marching orders for a dangerous pull on Dowling with minutes left to go and that signaled the end of Tom’s hopes. As the clock ran down Galway looked at ease as Tom’s were resigned to their fate.

Tom’s: J. Keane, D. Moore, C. Hands, J. O’Loughlin, D. Dooley, S. O’Brien, L. Mulhearn, S. Howley, T. Kelly, F. Keenan, C. Moore, D. Delaney, G. Reddin. Subs: C. Neylon, D. Neylon. Galway: E. Ward, C. O’Driscoll, J. O’Callaghan, E. Whooley, B. Regan, P. Nolan, G. Lally, A. Callinan, S. Dineen, S. Maher, W. Hyland, S. Murphy, W. O’Dwyer.  Subs: J. Dowling, E. Concannon.

By Rory O'Donnell

July 11 - Senior Football: Donegal v Galway

Donegal 1-11 Galway 0-5

Donegal left it until the second half to take this game by the scruff of the neck. Having played second fiddle to Galway for most of the first half, Donegal awoke in the second and played something like they would have expected of themselves. Going into the break level, Donegal came out and started the second half with purpose and ended up comfortable nine point victors.

Jamie Keogh tries to contain Donegal's Collie Carr.


Galway had Donegal on the ropes early. The Tribesmen moved the ball well with some smooth passing forays and went up a deserved four points to no score after 20 minutes. Danny Reddin opened the scoring with a point, and Gearoid O’Connor, who had just played an hour of hurling in very hot conditions, followed with a fine score. Galway squandered a handful of opportunites as Donegal were not in the game at all. After Conrad O’Reilly put Galway three up, Jarlath McGeeney made it four with a blast from close range that in truth could have easily gone under the bar for a goal. With Donegal offering little in the way of opposition, their mentors must have been at a loss to figure out what was not working. Eventually Conor Rafferty pointed on 24 minutes and the score seemed to open the sluice gates for the northerners. Rafferty followed with another and Brian Lafferty put two over before the signal for the break to even the scores. Donegal will have been the happier of the two sides given the dominance of Galway for the first 20 minutes.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thomas McGuire comes out of defence for Donegal as referee John Fitzpatrick keeps and eye on things.
 
 
Donegal woke up in the second half, and right from the throw in Paddy Kelly buried their first chance. With Kieran Lellis and Sean Burke working harder in midfield, and Rafferty and Kelly finally showing their pedigree, Donegal took the game by the scruff of the neck and started picking off the points. Rafferty and Lafferty added a point each as Donegal took a more direct route to goal in finding the dangermen with early balls. After Ger McArdle and Conor McAlary traded points Galway’s second half woes were underlined with Danny Reddin missing a close range free from the 21. Donegal put the final five points of the game over the bar without reply. Donegal will have been happy with the second half performance, but the overall performance seemed to lack consistency. A win for Galway would have been a major upset, nevertheless the westerners will have been disappointed that their second half performance came nowhere close to that of the first.
 
Donegal: M. Boyle, T. McGuire, N. Gurhy, D. Graham, G. Reddin, D. McGowan, S. Burke, K. Lellis, C. Carr, C. Rafferty (0-5), K. Curran, P. Kelly (1-0), B. Lafferty (0-4). Subs: C. McAlary (0-1), D. Meehan (0-1). Galway: A. Reddy, P. Cummins, S. Melia, S. Gallagher, M. Normile, J. Keogh, G. McArdle (0-1), N. Kilcoyne, P. Hackett, J. McGeeney (0-1), G. O’Connor (0-1), C. O’Reilly (0-1) D. Reddin (0-1).

By Rory O'Donnell

Gaelicsportscast with Denis O'Brien

Listen to the run down from Independence Day weekend with Denis O'Brien.

July 4 - Senior Hurling: Cork v Galway

Cork 0-14 Galway 1-13

It was a little bit of a strange encounter between Cork and Galway on Sunday. Cork had called for a card check on the Galway players, an exercise that delayed proceedings by about 20 minutes. Once the Galway players were deemed to be legitimate, off we went. After a first half during which the scoreboard needed to be adjusted, Cork were ahead by three points, 0-11 to 1-5. Galway stormed back in the second half during which tempers flared on the sideline, and came out on top by two points thanks a stirring performance in which all 5 forwards scored.

Cork and Galway slogged it out in Canton on Sunday.              

                                                                 

Eoin McCormack opened the scoring for Cork with a free, while Shane Murphy answered for Galway from play. Willie O’Dwyer put Galway ahead with a point, and Enda Concannon then struck the only goal of the game, which put Galway ahead by four points in the early going. Eoin Whooley had it going in the middle of the field for Galway, while O’Dwyer at corner forward was in fine form. O’Dwyer struck three points from play in the half. Cork had Ritchie Ruth to thank for a solid midfield performance, and the rebels proved a match for their opponents in the first period. Ruth pointed a sideline mid-way through the half, and later put a well taken effort from play between the posts. The score of the half came with a free from Cork center back, Eoin McCormack, from his own 65. Eoin McCormack, at corner forward, added three more points to his tally and at the half Cork led on the scoreboard by 0-11 to 1-5.

After Ruth had extended Cork’s lead to four points, Galway had a chance to get within one when Shane Maher was brought down in the box. Maher himself stepped up to take the shot, but it was saved and scrambled away. Galway, however, did narrow the gap with points from Murphy, Stephen Dineen, and James Dowling. PeterMoloney put Cork back up by two with a point, but Maher and Murphy brought Galway level with a point each. After going for a goal with a 21-yard free – and missing, Eoin McCormack again put Cork ahead, but it was Galway who had more down the stretch. Willie Hyland put a great strike between the posts, and an O’Dwyer free put Galway ahead. Maher made sure with the final score of the game. Much disappointment for Cork as a big win just slipped from their grasp.

Cork: S. Hallet, J. O’Callaghan, J. Ruddy, C. Brosnan, D. McCormack (0-1), R. Good, N. Kenny, R. Ruth (0-3), P. Moloney (0-1), P. O’Flynn, J. Moylan, B. Donovan (0-2), E. McCormack (0-5). Galway: E. Ward, J. O’Callaghan, C. O’Driscoll, J. McCormack, B. Regan, P. Nolan, E. Whooley, S. Dineen (0-2), S. Murphy (0-4), W. Hyland (0-1), E. Concannon (1-0), S. Maher (0-2), W. O’Dwyer (0-4). Sub: J. Dowling (0-2).

By Rory O'Donnell

June 27 - Senior Football: Galway v Mayo

Galway 0-11 Mayo 1-7

Galway pipped Mayo in this bottom of the table clash to win their first 2 points of the season. With a man advantage thanks to Mayo losing Michael Murphy to a sending off early on, Galway looked to hold a comfortable lead late in the game. However, it was a close exciting finish with Mayo’s Gareth Price netting just over 15 minutes into the second half. Mayo held a brief lead, only to see Galway to recover and put five points over the bar in quick succession.

Galway held a slender one-point lead at the break. Mayo opened the scoring with points from Price and Mark Fehilly. Jarlath McGeeney opened Galway’s account, and Fehilly responded in kind for Mayo. Conrad O’Reilly put one over for Galway and the Brighton side began to make their one-man advantage count. As things dried up for Mayo’s forwards, Galway’s found their stride and pointed three times to one for Mayo before the half.

After Galway added another point following the restart, Mayo decided to make a run at going for the win. Price put a long range free over the bar from the ground, and then rifled a goal home. Mayo added another point from Aiden Campbell and urged on by their supporters led by three points. Galway did not panic. A Peter Nolan free and points from Donal Redmond and Niall Kilcoyne erased Mayo’s lead. With the chance to press their advantage home, Galway added points from Gearoid O’Connor and Redmond. Price got one back for Mayo to pull within one, but the red and green did not have enough left in the tank to salvage a result from the game.

Galway: A. Ready, S. Melia, P. Cummins, S. Leamy, M. Norbie, S. Gallagher, G. McArdle, P. Hackett, C. O’Reilly, N. Kilcoyne, J. McGeeney, D. Redmond, G. O’Connor. Mayo: A. Townsend, F. Coyne, M. Murphy, K. McLaughlin, K. Comer, R. Murphy, M. Fehilly, G. McAllister, G. McTaggert, D. McLaughlin, A. Benson, A. Campbell, G. Price.

By Rory O'Donnell

June 27 - Senior Hurling: Galway v Tipperary

Galway 1-11 Tipperary 0-15

An entertaining but testy game of hurling went down to the wire as Galway battled for three quarters of the game with a man down. Aidan Callnan was shown a red card after a dangerous challenge after 15 minutes of play. At the time Galway held a slight lead that they managed to maintain until half time. In the second half Tipp pulled ahead with points from Shane Burke and substitute Pat Leahy, but Galway almost salvaged a point as the tribesmen drew level with a minute left only to see Paul McGrath put the winner over the bar for Tipp in injury time.

Shane Murphy meets the ball with Kieran McGrath in close pursuit.

The first half was marked by the sending off of Galway’s Aidan Callnan after 14 minutes who was adjudged not to have been challenging for the ball when swinging his stick. Galway held a one-point lead at the time and managed to extend it to two by half time. Shane Murphy was the marksman for the westerners, tallying four points from frees. A goal came from Kilkenny native Willie O’Dwyer whose low drive ended up in the back of the net. Tipp’s Shane Burke inflicted a lot of damage on Galway with some well taken points from play, while Michael Gleeson and Martin Boran each pointed twice. With the extra man, Tipp’s defence mopped up numerous aimless balls played into the Galway forward line as scoring became more of a challenge for the tribesmen, but their back line held firm. At the half Galway led by a score of 1-6 to 0-7.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike Meehan clears the ball for Tipp.

 

 

Tipp set about overturning Galway’s lead and went on a 6 points to 2 scoring streak to open the second period. Derek McNicholas, Burke, and substitute Pat Leahy turned the tide on the scoreboard. Murphy put Galway’s 2 points over the bar as life got tougher for the Galway forward line. Galway moved Shane Maher to the edge of the small square, and Maher caused havoc with Galway floating high balls his way. Galway won a 21-yard free, and with plenty of time on the clock, Maher went low and Tipp saved the shot. Maher converted his next chance as he got on the end of a Greg Lally ball, and soon afterwards looked to have won a penalty after catching a high ball and getting dragged down, only for the umpire to have judged that he was in the small square before winning the ball. With the reprieve, Tipp gathered themselves and Martin Boran relieved the pressure with a point. Galway pulled themselves level as the anticipation rose around the ground. Enda Concannon pointed and Shane Murphy converted a free with a minute left. Murphy had a chance to put Galway ahead with a long range free, but the ball drifted wide. In injury time Paul McGrath, who entered the fray in the second half, made room for himself and from 25 yards put the winner over the bar for Tipp. A close call for Tipp, and a game that will leave Galway wondering what might have been.

 

Galway: E. Ward, J. O’Callaghan, C. O’Driscoll, G. Lally (0-1), B. Regan, J. McCormack, M. Farrell, A. Callnan, S. Dineen, S. Maher (0-1), E. Concannon (0-1), S. Murphy (0-7), W. O’Dwyer (1-1). Tipp: T. Lowry, B. Kenny, K. McGrath, M. Meehan, K. Joyce, S. Hickey, C. Dempsey, J. O’Keefe, M. Gleeson (0-2), D. McNicholas (0-1), S. Burke (0-6), A. Devine, M. Boran (0-3). Subs: P. Leahy (0-2), P. McGrath (0-1).

 

By Rory O'Donnell

Wolfe Tones v Galway - June 6

Wolfe Tones 0-17 Galway 0-3

For the second week in a row the Wolfe Tones cruised to a comfortable win, this time over Galway. The writing was on the wall from the start. Dan McCabe fired over two quick points before the half was scarcely a minute old. Try as they might to make some inroads, Galway struggled against a stronger Tones side and the game was reduced to target practice for the South Boston side for the last 20 minutes.

Mike O'Brien lines up a shot for the Tones.  

At half time the Tones lead was not an insurmountable one. Galway trailed by five points, 0-2 to 0-7. McCabe’s opening salvo was added to with a point from Donal Armstrong. Galway opened their account after 12 minutes with an Adrian Kelly point. Anthony Reddy was called upon in the Galway goal to pull off some good saves as the Tones pressed for an early goal, but credit to the Galway defenders for preventing one for the duration of the game while under pressure most of the time. The Tones put another 3 unanswered over the bar from Armstrong, Gary Brilly, and Marty Farrell before John Joe O’Neill pointed for Galway. Brilly again pointed before the half time whistle to put the Tones five to the good at the break.

The second half was more of the same, and worse from a Galway standpoint. The Tones tallied 10 points to a single score for the Brightonians. Dan McCabe added to his two early first half points with another, but not before the Down man should have done better with a goal chance after Brian Fineran burst through the Galway defence and put McCabe through on the edge of the small square. Gearoid O’Connor and Pat Hackett were among those who continued to battle for the Tribesmen, but Galway remained scoreless until late in the second half when Shane Melia put one over. Farrell, Fineran, and McCabe continued the scoring for the Tones before the final whistle. The Tones top the table with two wins from two games, but it appears that some tougher tests lie in wait for the Southie men.

Tones: B. Murray, N. Devereaux, D. Maguire, K. Regan, B. Fineran (0-2), M. O’Brien (0-1), J. Farrell (0-1), M. Magee, M. Farrell (0-3), G. Brilly (0-3), D. Armstrong (0-2), D. McCabe (0-5), S. Kelly. Galway: A. Reddy, S. Murphy, P. Cummins, J. Keogh, S. Gallagher, JJ O’Neill (0-1), T. Walsh, G. O’Connor, D. Corbett, P. Nolan, P. Hackett, A. Kelly (0-1), D. Redmond. Sub: S. Melia (0-1).

By Rory O'Donnell

Connemara Gaels v Galway - May 30

Connemara Gaels 0-12 Galway 1-8

The Gaels breathed a sigh of relief when the final whistle sounded as the boys from western county Galway led by seven points at one stage only to see the lead evaporate late in the second half. With minutes left on the clock Galway leveled the scores, but wing back Andy Kelly scored the winning point for the Gaels with time running out.

The opening 10 minutes were evenly contested. Galway opened the scoring with a point from Gearoid O’Connor. The Gaels gradually got a grip on the game. Corner back, Pat McNicholas, and wing back Ian Sexton started to get on top of their men, while Rasharkin, Co. Antrim man, Benny Hassan proved to be a pivotal factor in the middle of the field. Featuring four men from west of Galway city, the Gaels forward line rattled off seven unanswered points. Corner forwards Coleman Mulkerrins (Carna/Cashel) and Sean Conneeley (Rosmuc) accounted for most of the scores, while Tom McDonagh (Lettermullen) and Hassan added to a tally that saw the Gaels hold a 0-7 to 0-1 lead at the half.

The Gaels continued to play well in the early stages of the second half and extended their lead to seven points, but Galway had a comeback in them. The tribesmen took advantage of some sloppy play by their opponents to rein in the deficit with points from Danny Reddin and Gearoid O’Connor. Peter Nolan and O’Connor further cut into the Gaels lead, when Reddin hit with a goal as he ran through the Gaels defence and rounded the keeper to fire into the empty net. With the Gaels reeling having seen a commanding lead reduced to a point, O’Connor tied the game for Galway. With the result still up for grabs it was Andy Kelly who rescued the Gaels as with minutes left the wing back latched on to a loose ball and put what proved to be the winner over the bar. Galway almost leveled again, but a gallant comeback ended up falling just short for the Brighton based side.

Gaels: B. O’Halloran, P. McNicholas, H. O’Neill, S. McKiernan, A. Kelly (0-1), I. Sexton, B. Hassan (0-1), S. Cashin, T. McDonagh (0-1), M. Geoghan, L. Gallagher, C. Mulkerrins (0-5), S. Conneeley (0-4). Galway: D. Reddin (1-3), P. Nolan (0-2), G. O’Connor (0-3).

By Rory O'Donnell

Championship Begins

The championship season opened in Canton on a beautiful Memorial Day Weekend. There were perfect sporting conditions, with sunny skies and light breeze. Ten teams took the field for the first games of the senior football championship. There were wins for Wolfe Tones, Connemara Gaels, Aiden McAnespies, Donegal, and the Shannon Blues. Donegal and Shannon Blues looked strong in their wins over Armagh-Notre Dame and Kerry respectively, while Mayo and Galway fell by a single point each to McAnespies and the Gaels. Reports to follow...