Galway can’t afford second loss to the Rossies in the space of a week

Inside Track with John McIntyre

THE former Mayo footballer Kevin McStay speculated on RTE’S League Sunday on Galway’s attitude towards the upcoming Division Two final against Roscommon at Croke Park. With a big championship collision with Mayo looming, the TV pundit didn’t anticipate that the Tribesmen would be throwing everything at Sunday’s league decider.

It’s an understandable position to take, but I can see no merit in Galway holding anything back for their second clash with the Rossies in the space of a week. Last Sunday the teams clashed in the final round of group games at Hyde Park, and it was a game which had a lot more on the line for the hosts.

Anthony Cunningham’s charges needed to win to secure promotion to the top flight, while Galway had already secured their passage back to Division One after a six-game winning run. That reality was reflected in the team selection made by Padraic Joyce and his mentors. They didn’t travel to Roscommon fully loaded, instead using the fixture to have a look at some of their fringe players.

By half-time, Galway knew that their winning run in 2022 was coming to an end, trailing by 1-14 to 0-6. The Rossies had made hay during the period that Cathal Sweeney spent in the sin bin, scoring 1-7 without reply with the goal coming from Cian McKeon. They were never in danger subsequently even if Galway didn’t roll over – their late scoring burst highlighted by a superbly-taken Johnny Heaney goal.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

Connacht Tribune Digital Edition App

Download the Connacht Tribune Digital Edition App to access to Galway’s best-selling newspaper.

Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.

Or purchase the Digital Edition for PC, Mac or Laptop from Pagesuite  HERE.

Get the Connacht Tribune Live app
The Connacht Tribune Live app is the home of everything that is happening in Galway City and county. It’s completely FREE and features all the latest news, sport and information on what’s on in your area. Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.