Donohue sparks Galway into life for hard-earned success

Galway 3-11

Clare 0-15

Eanna O’Reilly at Kenny Park

AN inspired performance from Aoife Donohue was the catalyst for a second half turnaround from Galway as the home team were made to work hard before recording a win in their first league game of 2021.

After being thoroughly outplayed by their Banner rivals in the opening half, Galway were flattered to be just a point behind at the interval. They owed this position to their superb goal scoring ability, which kept them in the game against an impressive Clare side.

Cathal Murray’s team badly needed a lift early in the second half and it was Donohue who sparked them into life. The Mullagh star fired over 0-4 in a ten-minute spell to turn the game around and put the home side in the driving seat. In the circumstances, Galway will be content to have collected the points against their neighbours, who came to Athenry full of determination and displayed great quality on the day.

Clare opened the scoring at Kenny Park on Saturday with a point from Eimear Kelly before Galway responded a minute later with a goal from Siobhán McGrath. Carrie Dolan played a neat ball into the right corner, before McGrath broke inside and finished impressively to the net. Clare’s response to the concession of this goal was highly impressive as Ger O’Connell’s side completely took over the match.

During the next ten minutes, the Banner outscored Galway by 0-7 to 0-1. Máire McGrath hit two good scores, while Kelly put over a terrific individual point. Clare’s inter play was impressive, as reflected in a well worked point for Orlaith Duggan. Full forward Áine O’Loughlin also got on the scoresheet, while Chloe Morey’s long range free taking was excellent. The Sixmilebridge and former NUIG star pointed two placed balls, including one from her own ’65.

Galway were very flat during this spell and their only response on the scoreboard was Noreen Coen’s ninth minute point. The home side were struggling throughout the pitch, with ew players on their game. Dervla Higgins, Niamh McGrath, Carrie Dolan and Siobhán McGrath were the most effective in the face of Clare’s dominance.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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