Footballers show grit in sinking flattering Dubs
Date Published: {J}
JOE Kernan could have been forgiven for thinking what had he gotten himself into when Galway footballers trailed Dublin by 0-5 to 0-1 midway through the opening-half of last Saturday evening’s National League clash at Parnell Park. In isolation, that state of affairs was no crisis, but having already lost to Cork, Mayo and Kerry, his squad was really dicing with relegation.
Injuries, of course, had taken their toll on Galway’s performances to date and though the Joe Bergin inspired Tribesmen had stopped the rot with a battling win over Tyrone on their return to Tuam Stadium the previous weekend, it appeared that had come as a once-off display as Dublin threatened to take their visitors apart in the opening quarter of Saturday night’s fixture.
It could have been way worse for Kernan and his management team than just being four points behind after 18 minutes. Kevin Bonner spoiled a clear-cut goal scoring opportunity with a foul handpass, while emergency Galway custodian, Eoin O Conghaile, proved his worth by denying Kevin McMenamon from point-blank range.
Dublin’s strong-running had the men in maroon chasing shadows and such was their early dominance, it was difficult to see a way back for Galway, who were forced to withdraw corner back Damien Burke after only 17 minutes.
Unexpectedly, however, the match was to undergo an incredible transformation in the second quarter. Dublin began to lose their shape and failed to muster another score for the rest of the half as Galway gradually found their feet with the fit-again Gareth Bradshaw helping to ignite their revival as Kernan’s men began to play with greater intensity and aggression. Paul Conroy coming into midfield also boosted Galway as the team management didn’t hang about in making changes. Ultimately, the critical score of the match arrived when Fiachra Breathnach managed to bundle the ball over the line despite being surrounded by a posse of defenders.
With young Eoin Concannon landing a couple of invaluable frees, Galway turned the match around to such an extent that they went in leading by 1-7 to 0-5 at the interval.They went further in front before Dublin managed to get their second wind. The free-scoring Bernard Brogan was the man who dragged the home team back into the match and when Conal Keaney equalised from a free with 14 minutes left, you’d nearly put your house on Pat Gilroy’s charges closing the deal.
Galway had gone 20 minutes without a score and their plight got worse when Declan Meehan was dismissed (harshly) for a second yellow card ten minutes from the end. But they responded to this adversity in the manner of men who had suddenly rediscovered their fighting spirit. Concannon, who belied his inexperience at this level with a fine display of accurate shooting, kept finding the range and with the versatile Gary Sice popping over his second score of the match, Galway finished the game much stronger to claim a magnificent victory.
Obviously, their triumph over Tyrone the previous weekend was a turning point in Galway’s campaign, but their achievement in Parnell Park at the weekend was far more significant, especially given how much they struggled early on. There is no shortage of pride in their ranks and with Concannon adding a fresh scoring impetus up front, Kernan, Sean O Domhnaill and Tom Naughton must now be looking forward to the Connacht championship with a relish that they couldn’t have imagined even a fortnight ago.
Their relegation fears now over, Galway will be keen to keep the momentum going in their final league outing against struggling Derry on Sunday week. With Michael Meehan and Sean Armstrong likely to be recovered well in time for the Connacht championship, suddenly there is a new air of optimism out there. Admittedly, Mayo won’t be easily dislodged from their lofty perch in the province, but Galway look to be building up a head of steam at just the right time.
For more, read this week's Connacht Tribune.