Comer's early goals get Galway over the line

Roscommon 0-13

A storming start and a brave finish proved to be sufficient for Galway to win a hard fought Connacht FBD League decider against Roscommon at Tuam Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

What happened in between will have brought plenty of optimism too for Kevin Walsh and his selectors Brian Silke and Sean Conlon as Galway demonstrated the requisite cocktail of grit and guile to collect this title for the first time since 2009.

There was so much to admire in the way Galway competed throughout a game that was played at a decent pace and intensity on the eve of the Allianz Football League. That a remodelled Galway outfit did enough to secure victory was encouraging as a string of youngsters enhanced their claims for inclusion this Spring, and possibly summer.

Those that have been on the beat for the past number of campaigns were key components also. Gary O'Donnell's diligence at centre back was immense, Paul Conroy and Fiontan O'Curraoin combined effectively at midfield, while in attack Damien Comer was sharp and clinical, bagging two opportunistic goals in the first six minutes. Comer's class gave Galway, who were five points ahead at the break, something to protect as Roscommon inevitably came swinging after the restart.

They got back on level terms with six minutes remaining, but Galway regained the initiative courtesy of a delightful Johnny Heaney point. Promising Killanin clubman Heaney had kicked a terrific left footed point early on, but he banged over a similarly smart score with his right when the issue was delicately poised. Substitute Shane Walsh subsequently added a free on 56 minutes which, curiously, was the first awarded to Galway in the scoring zone in the entire match.

Roscommon had scored seven frees before that, so while Galway had legitimate cause for complaint with several controversial calls, the fact that a win was still posted was hugely relevant according to team boss Walsh. “Our boys were asked hard questions there and things went against us at different times. That really put the pressure on us.

In fairness there was no massive back-chat, there was frustration out there with some of the decisions, but that happens in sport and you learn to deal with it. "Fair play to Roscommon they kept coming at us, and that sometimes is the beauty of it; when you have a target to hit, it can provide focus. We told our lads at half-time that the breeze never wins you any game. It was important to win it because when you get to a final you want to win it.”

Full match report in this week's Connacht Tribune.