Back in business as Joyce’s men defeat the Rossies

Galway 2-11

Roscommon 0-12

STEPHEN GLENNON AT DR HYDE PARK

ONE swallow never made a summer – especially in the monsoon-like conditions at Dr Hyde Park on Sunday – but, at least, Galway’s senior footballers can dream of soaring a little higher with a Connacht final now to look forward to later this month.

That provincial decider will most likely be against great rivals Mayo, who should dismiss the challenge of Leitrim this weekend, and after all the negativity that permeated around the county following the Tribesmen’s relegation to Division 2, they are now just 70 minutes away from claiming silverware and, by extension, a place in this year’s All-Ireland semi-final.

In truth, Galway had little trouble disposing of Roscommon in this one and a damning statistic is that the Rossies have now not beaten their neighbours in a Connacht championship game at Dr Hyde Park since 1990, despite claiming two wins and two draws on Galway soil in this same period.

The record books will show it was goals in each half from Paul Kelly and Matthew Tierney that separated these sides at the finish last Sunday, but, really, the Tribesmen always looked a cut above their opposition right around the field, particularly in defence where Kieran Molloy was a ball of energy.

As ever, Sean Kelly also impressed at the back while there were also solid displays from Sean Mulkerrin, Liam Silke, the ever-improving Dylan McHugh and experienced Johnny Heaney. A measure of their defensive efforts was that Roscommon’s starting forwards tallied only three points from play and that three of their starting shooters were substituted.

Consequently, Galway controlled this contest from start to finish. They led for long stretches, with Roscommon, who were also relegated to Division 2, only gaining parity three times in the first half and never once taking the lead. This was significant in itself.

Indeed, Galway boss Padraic Joyce, registering his first senior championship victory, will be delighted with his side’s overall showing, especially given the Tribesmen outscored their rivals in the second, third and final quarters.

By the end of the first quarter, they could also have led, had Peter Cooke not drove a goal chance just wide of the mark on 11 minutes. As it was, Sean Kelly had opened the scoring for Galway after three minutes, but they had to wait another 12 minutes before Damien Comer landed their second.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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