Kavanagh shines on debut as Galway ease past Sligo in FBD League

Sligo 0-8

Three sweetly struck goals, a black card, and a sublime debut in a maroon shirt for former Kildare star James Kavanagh were the main talking points from the Galway footballers’ first game of 2014 when they easily overcame Sligo in the first round FBD League clash at Tuam Stadium on Sunday.

The Tribesmen had to soak up a considerable amount of early pressure from a wasteful Sligo side, who hit nine wides when backed by the elements in the opening period, but it was the sheer determination and attitude of the home side later on which gave the hardcore home support of about 300 a bit of early season optimism.

Sligo dominated in terms of both possession and territory in the opening 20 minutes or so, but an opportunist Eoin Concannon goal gave Galway an early advantage which they never relinquished before cruising to a comfortable win.

With Kavanagh popping up all over the field after starting as a third midfielder, and both Concannon and Michael Martin looking sharp in the central attacking positions, Alan Mulholland’s men were full value for this 11 point victory.

New captain Paul Conroy put in a towering hour’s work alongside David O’Connell and Kavanagh in midfield, while Mulholland would also have been happy with how an inexperienced defence coped with some early pressure from Pat Flanagan’s side.

The Tribesmen were delighted to find themselves a point up at the break (1-2 to 0-4) and, with the wind and rain easing off, they hit a purple patch in the third quarter – hitting 2-3 without reply.

Kavanagh crowned a Man of the Match performance with a wonder score on 52 minutes as Galway romped to an easy win despite late scores from Sligo’s McGee (free), Mark Breheny (free), and substitute James Hynes.

All in all, a good day’s work in wintry conditions for Galway, who could even have added two more goals in the closing minutes. Eddie Hoare blasted a close-range effort over the crossbar before substitute Danny Cummins, in a one-on-one with Sligo ‘keeper Vincent Cadden, narrowly missed the target.

But the win had long since been secured by that stage. Galway will now face Leitrim at Duggan Park, Ballinasloe, next Sunday (2pm).