PICTURES: Supporters cheer on Galway to victory over Westmeath in All-Ireland SFC
25,000 supporters turned out in force in a sold-out Pearse Stadium on Sunday afternoon for Galway’s clash with Westmeath in round two of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship.
Galway sealed their place into the All-Ireland SFC quarter-final with a 3-21 to 2-21 win over Westmeath. First half goals from Shane Walsh, Cian Hernon and Matthew Tierney gave the Tribesmen a 3-9 to 1-8 advantage at the interval.
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.