Finnerty hits five points as fired-up Galway carry day

Galway 2-16

Roscommon 1-13

STEPHEN GLENNON AT PEARSE STADIUM

THAT old adage about a wounded animal sprung to mind at Pearse Stadium on Sunday. Backed into a corner by their mauling in Kerry, Galway’s footballers responded in the best possible fashion by baring teeth and claws and hunting down Roscommon for a deserved – and much needed – National League victory.

Whatever about a week being a long time in politics, it can make an even bigger difference in sport. No doubt, Galway were a different animal at Pearse Stadium on Sunday, playing with an intensity and purpose that left Roscommon chasing this tie for long periods.

The Tribesmen intent was evident from the moment they hit the field for the warm-up. Full of anger and rage, the tone was set and demands were made. It was a stark contrast to Roscommon’s sedate pre-match routine, which lacked any great energy.

Consequently, it was no surprise when the home side carved open Roscommon for the opening goal after just two minutes. Dylan McHugh and Damien Comer, looking a greater threat at centre-half forward, made the early running to line up Paul Kelly for the shot.

While Kelly’s goal was a tonic start, it was Salthill/Knocknacarra’s Robert Finnerty who caused Roscommon the most trouble. Finnerty kicked five points in all in a coming-of-age performance, with each score as good if not better than the one before.

Playing against the wind, those contributions of Kelly and Finnerty were vital, but also impressive was the manner in which Galway went about their business. Their body language was far better on this occasion and the way they hunted down the Roscommon man in possession was commendable.

No doubt, lessons were learned from the week previous in Kerry and this translated onto the pitch in terms of defensive organisation and transitioning. In this regard, Finnian Ó Laoi’s deployment as a sweeper and link man worked extremely well while Matthew Tierney’s switch to midfield, where he partnered Paul Conroy, was also a success.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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