Galway face old rivals Mayo in Connacht ladies football final
THE Galway senior ladies footballers return to action this weekend as they face Mayo in the Connacht final
Following Leitrim’s relegation to intermediate ranks last year, Galway and Mayo are now the only counties competing in the Connacht senior ladies football championship.
The provincial decider throws in on Sunday at 3pm in Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada, Carrick-on-Shannon, while the game will be shown live on the TG4 Youtube channel.
Galway have dominated the competition in recent seasons, winning the last two Connacht titles, and they will be aiming to secure a third consecutive crown this weekend. Mayo, meanwhile, last lifted the trophy in 2023 after overcoming Galway.
Daniel Moynihan’s side were defeated in the Division One league final on April 11, losing 2-8 to 0-9 against Cork. Galway controlled much of the contest and held a four-point lead with ten minutes remaining, only for Cork to strike for two late goals and snatch victory.
Despite that setback, Moynihan has built impressive depth throughout the spring and they still look well placed to mount a serious challenge for All-Ireland honours this season.
Goalkeeper Leah O’Halloran has adapted superbly to the number one jersey following Dearbhla Gower’s departure from the panel. Defenders Nicola Ward and Bronagh Quinn, along with forward Kate Slevin, impressed during the league campaign and all four players were named on the Division One team of the league.
Captain Kate Geraghty made her return from injury in the league final, while Louise Ward has returned to the squad in recent weeks.
Mayo are now managed by former county player Diana O’Hora. They enjoyed a strong league campaign and were narrowly denied promotion to Division One after finishing third in Division Two.
On the balance of form, however, Galway will be expected to have too much for their opponents ahead of a championship campaign when the Tribeswomen will be striving to claim only a second All-Ireland title.