Galway hit ground running in opening group account

Tipperary 0-7

GALWAY’S march through competitive action continued last Saturday as they began their All-Ireland senior ladies football championship campaign with a 12th consecutive victory and moved within touching distance of a home quarter-final next month.

Leanne Coen’s 22nd minute goal was the catalyst for a 1-8 scoring blitz that broke down the Tipperary challenge with the Premier County enjoying their best spell during the second period after the contest was decided.

But they never came close to threatening the Tribeswomen’s dominance, who head to Donegal this Saturday (Naomh Padraig GAA, Lifford 2pm) where another win will ensure a return to Tuam Stadium for knockout action.

Galway entered the game as strong favourites and began their season with an eight-point result away to Tipperary in Fethard. Conditions were superb in the north Galway venue but captain Kate Geraghty didn’t waste time taking the stiff breeze blowing away from the town.

The Munster side played deep before countering and began in positive fashion despite Hannah and Eva Noone, and Nicola Ward combining to set up Louise Ward for the game’s opening score on two minutes. Hannah Noone was also involved in Olivia Divilly’s first point four minutes later.

When Tipperary got past the midway point, they looked to supply scorer-in-chief Aishling Moloney who didn’t play their previous encounter.  Galway’s defence didn’t allow the space with Sarah Ní Loingsigh, Bronagh Quinn and Louise Ward all making important interceptions.

That didn’t stop midfielder Caitlin Kennedy finding space to run towards goal before her strike flashed across the target and wide. However, Galway’s afternoon suffered a major blow on eight minutes when Milltown’s Shauna Hynes came down on her leg and had to be stretched off.

“It wasn’t a nice one unfortunately,” stated Galway manager Daniel Moynihan about Hynes’ injury and subsequent withdrawal. “All we can do is hope that things aren’t as bad. Great footballer. Great person to be around in the dressing room as well. Our thoughts are with her.”

This led to a seven minute hold up before play restarted and Tipperary appeared to be back on track when Moloney converted an 18th minute free. It was the only score for Ed Burke’s crew during the first half.

2024 captain Ailbhe Davoren was Hynes’ replacement and she played a key role in the 22nd minute breakthrough. Galway weaved patterns before finding the perfect fit. Olivia Divilly and Nicola Ward were involved before Davoren passed across to Coen who kicked calmly into the net.

Pictured: Galway's Shauna Hynes tries to shake off the attentions of Tipperary's Laura Morrissey at Tuam Stadium.