Cork deserving winners but game will be remembered for shameful treatment of both sets of players

Galway 0-13

STEPHEN GLENNON AT CROKE PARK

This LGFA All-Ireland semi-final at Croke Park on Sunday is sure to live long in the memory of Galway ladies football followers. Sadly, it will be for all the wrong reasons.

Multiple changes of venue, the last of which saw the game moved from Parnell Park to Croke Park, was further compounded by the throw-in time being brought forward by 30 minutes.

Galway were still on the motorway up to Dublin when they received the news. By the time they got to Croke Park, they were only afforded seven minutes of a warm-up.

This farcical situation has been dealt with elsewhere in the newspaper – and, indeed, extensively through other media sources – but the impact of it in terms of Galway’s approach to this contest and subsequent performance has to be taken into account.

How much of an impact it had on Galway, we will never know. What we do know is that Galway faced a Cork outfit that stayed up in Dublin the previous night and were able to undergo a lengthier warm-up before throw-in. It was an advantage.

That said, nothing should be taken away from Cork’s victory. Overall, they were a step ahead of Galway on this occasion, bringing enthusiasm, endeavour, purpose and pace. By the interval, they led 2-5 to 0-4, with their strong, direct running causing the Tribeswomen issues.

This was a feature throughout and, if there is one major difference between Galway and this year’s All-Ireland finalists – Dublin and Cork – it is the contrast in the players’ physiques. For the most part, Dublin and Cork boast a physical strength and athleticism that Galway do not just seem to have.

Granted, the Dublin and Cork teams are backboned by experienced players, who have tasted success and want more, where Galway’s squad is younger in age profile and have yet to enjoy senior success. The encouraging thing, though, is that they are putting themselves in positions to do so.

There is no doubt Galway have the football ability and skill to challenge for the top honours, but until the conditioning work that is being done comes to fruition – it takes times – then, Galway will always find the going tough against Cork and Dublin.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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