Galway progress into All-Ireland SFC quarter-final with win over Westmeath
THE GALWAY senior footballers have progressed into the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship quarter-final with a 3-21 to 2-21 victory over Westmeath on Sunday afternoon in Pearse Stadium. For much of the contest, Galway appeared to have the upper hand, but they were forced to withstand a late surge from Westmeath before eventually securing a hard-fought three-point victory in front of a crowd of 25,000. Shane Walsh, Paul Conroy and Matthew Tierney were the standout performers, combining for an impressive 2-11 as Galway edged over the line.Westmeath struggled to contain Cein D'Arcy, where his dominance in the middle third gave Connor Gleeson a reliable target on kick-outs and provided Galway with a strong platform for possession.
Galway manager Pádraic Joyce made one late alteration to his starting line-up, bringing Fionn McDonagh into the team in place of Shane McGrath. It was McDonagh’s first appearance for Galway since their National League Round five clash with Donegal on March 1.
Meanwhile, Westmeath boss Mark McHugh drafted experienced forward John Heslin a place in the starting XV.
After winning the toss, Westmeath elected to play against the breeze in the opening half. The sides were level at 0-2 apiece in the early exchanges before Galway struck for the game’s opening goal. Pressuring the Westmeath kick-out, McDonagh intercepted a misplaced delivery from Jason Daly on his championship debut and quickly fed the ball to Shane Walsh, who rifled an excellent finish to the net.
Galway continued to build momentum. Following good work from Dylan McHugh, John Daly and Robert Finnerty, the ball was worked out to Paul Conroy, who stretched the lead to 1-3 to 0-2. Soon after, Sean Kelly combined with Dylan McHugh before releasing Cian Hernon down the line, and the full-back coolly slotted the ball into the back of the net to put the Tribesmen seven points clear.
Westmeath responded well. Kevin O’Sullivan dispossessed John Maher in defence, allowing Brandon Kelly to launch an attack. The ball was worked through Tadhg Baker before Ronan Wallace finished past Connor Gleeson, cutting the deficit to 2-4 to 1-3.
Joyce’s side remained composed and kicked five of next six points, including a two-point effort from Conroy, while Matthew Tierney and Sean Kelly also contributed scores to restore Galway’s dominance. The Leinster champions fought back through Brian Cooney, Ray Connellan, Heslin and Brandon Kelly, trimming the gap to four points.
Westmeath were patient in possession as they searched for openings, but when Sam McCartan’s effort dropped short, Galway broke at pace. Walsh delivered a direct ball inside to Tierney, who palmed to the net, giving Galway a commanding 3-9 to 1-8 lead at half-time.
The Connacht finalists maintained control after the restart. Scores from Walsh, Cein D’Arcy, Finnerty and Conroy kept Galway firmly in the driving seat. Westmeath kept within touch through Wallace, Senan Baker, Tadhg Baker and Brandon Kelly, but they still trailed 3-15 to 1-13 heading into the final quarter.
Further scores from Kelly, O’Sullivan, Heslin and McCartan gave the visitors renewed belief. However, The winners quickly regained control, registering the next four points through Conroy, Walsh, Daniel O’Flaherty and Shane McGrath to open up a 3-20 to 1-17 advantage by the 65th minute.
To their credit, Westmeath mounted a late rally. Substitute Robbie Forde landed a two-point score before O’Sullivan surged down the wing and squared the ball for Jack Duncan, who palmed the ball to the net. McCartan, grandson of former Galway footballer Sean Purcell, then converted a superb two-pointer as momentum swung towards the visitors.
Galway, though, produced a crucial response. Gleeson launched a long kick-out that was brilliantly claimed by Damien Comer in midfield. The ball was worked through the hands before substitute Shane McGrath arrived and calmly fisted over the bar, sealing Galway’s victory and securing their place in the All-Ireland quarter-finals on June 27/28.
SCORERS:
GALWAY: Shane Walsh (1-4, 0-1 f), Paul Conroy (0-5, tp), Matthew Tierney 1-2, Cian Hernon 1-0 , Robert Finnerty 0-3, Shane McGrath and Cein D’Arcy 0-2 each, Sean Kelly, Daniel O’Flaherty and Kieran Molloy 0-1 each
WESTMEATH: Ronan Wallace (1-2, tp), John Heslin (0-4, 0-4f), Sam McCartan (0-4, tp), Jack Duncan 1-0, Tadgh Baker and Brandon Kelly 0-2 each, Senan Baker (0-2, 0-1 mark) Robbie Forde (0-2, tp), Ray Connellan, Kevin O’Sullivan Brian Cooney 0-1 each
GALWAY: Connor Gleeson; Jack Glynn, Cian Hernon, Liam Silke; Dylan McHugh, John Daly, Sean Kelly; Paul Conroy, John Maher; Cein D’Arcy, Matthew Tierney, Cillian McDaid; Robert Finnerty, Fionn McDonagh, Shane Walsh.
SUBS: Shane McGrath for McDonagh (23), Damien Comer for McDaid (49), Kieran Molloy for Daly (60), Daniel O’Flaherty for Finnerty (61), Sean Mulkernin for Conroy (66).
WESTMEATH: Jason Daly; Danny Scahill, Charlie Drumm, Conor Dillon; Tadgh Baker, Shane Allen, Sam McCartan; Brían Cooney, Ray Connellan; Kevin O Sullivan, Ronan Wallace, Matthew Whittaker; John Heslin, Senan Baker, Brandon Kelly.
SUBS: Harry Niall for Cooney (Half Time), Shane Ormsby for Connellan (39, injury), Jack Duncan for Whittaker (47), Shane Corcoran for Kelly (60), Robbie Forde for Niall (66).
REFEREE: Brendan Griffin (Kerry)