Minors book place in Connacht decider

Roscommon 1-7

Despite an 11-week wait since their league finish, Galway’s minors hit the ground running Wednesday night as they booked their place in the Connacht Minor Football Final with a dominant display.

Two first-half Evan Murphy goals put the Tribesmen 12 points clear, and even though the hosts reduced arrears to five, an unanswered tally of 1-2 unanswered – with Barry Goldrick scoring the goal – ensured Stephen Joyce’s side advanced.

Goldrick was an unlikely scorer as he had been substituted in the 43rd minute, only to return to the field after Rory Cunningham’s black card. Galway managed to receive the same number of black cards as green flags, with Finian O’Laoi and Ryan Forde departing in the first 30 minutes.

Galway had beaten Roscommon 4-10 to 0-9 in the league, but Roscommon ended up taking the trophy. Also, Kieran Kilkenny’s team had played Sligo in the quarter-finals four days earlier and were deemed to have a slight advantage.

But Galway’s ability to find their inside men told, while the maroon and white’s defence was immense at turning over ball. Ross Murphy won a foul on four minutes which Dessie Conneely converted, and they were to strike their first major blow 60 seconds later.

Fionan Garvey started the move that worked its way to Ryan Forde and the Annaghdown attacker was brought down, resulting in a penalty to Galway. Evan Murphy stepped up, and his positioned shot scorched past Liam Cregg making it 1-1 to 0-0.

Even though there were some hold ups, this wasn’t a dirty game. On a summer’s evening in Kiltoom, two teams were competitive for every ball, even if some challenges were mistimed. It was end-to-end in the early stages as Roscommon were getting chances, but a resilient Galway defence led by Eoghan Deeley, Sean Mulkerrin and Garvey were defending resolutely.

At the other end, Galway were finding a way to bypass Roscommon’s blanket. Murphy and Conneely set up O’Laoi in the 10th minute and his effort flew across the goal.

For more, read this week's Galway City Tribune.