Galway need major spark after collapse in Castlebar

Galway 2-6

Eanna O’Reilly at MacHale Park

THE Galway under 20 footballers fell to a four point defeat to rivals Mayo in the second round of the Connacht under 20 championship at MacHale Park last Wednesday evening. Derek Savage’s side produced a very promising first half, but ran out of steam early in the second, after which the home side took over the contest.

When Fionn MacDonnacha put Galway three points ahead early in the second half, few would have anticipated that the Tribesmen would fail to score again for the remainder of the contest. However, the home side upped their game and successfully held the Galway forwards. At the other end, Mayo tallied nine points without reply to run out well deserved winners on the day.

In a fast paced first half, the opening point of the game was scored by Mayo ‘keeper David Dolan, who sent over a fifty yard free. Two minutes later, Galway struck for the opening goal of the game. Jack Lonergan sent a quick delivery into Colm Costello, who opened up the Mayo defence with a pacey run, before passing inside to Ronan Colleran, who finished to the net.

Shortly after, a shot from Costello was deflected out for a ’45, which Galway ‘keeper Eamon McGrath pointed to make it 1-1 to 0-1. The home side responded with a score from team captain Seán Morahan from the right wing, before Galway’s Cian Murphy pointed, after a good delivery from Matthew Thompson.

The Tribesmen were playing with quality and pressing Mayo effectively high up the pitch. When Ciaran Mulhern turned over possession in attack, Conor Heneghan and Daithí Kilcommins transferred possession to Thompson, who fisted the ball over the bar, with Mayo ‘keeper Dolan advancing.

Pictured: Galway's Daithi Kilcommins who was one of their better performers in Wednesday's Connacht U-20 football championship defeat to Mayo at MacHale Park.