Galway left with lessons to learn after league final loss

By Eanna O’Reilly

WHEN Galway look back on Sunday’s league final defeat to Kilkenny, they will undoubtedly focus on the third quarter of the game as the period when things went badly wrong. After dominating the opening half, with a three-point lead at the interval, Galway appeared to be in a strong position. By the 39th minute, however, the Tribeswomen found themselves five points behind after an extraordinary turnaround from Brian Dowling’s Kilkenny side.

During that period, the Cats scored 1-5 without reply (all from play) to put themselves firmly in the driving seat. This eight-point turnaround forced Cathal Murray’s side to chase the game for the remainder, which they did admirably, drawing level by the 60th minute. However, the surrender of a strong half time position was something they will be very disappointed with.

Galway began brightly, with some excellent attacking play early in the game. Catherine Finnerty showed her running threat in the opening half, drawing three fouls from the Kilkenny backs. Carrie Dolan had a tremendous first half, taking two good points from play along with five pointed frees. Dolan hit two from the sideline on the Cusack Stand side, from very difficult angles, which were superb.

Sarah Spellman worked hard in the half forward line and had some effective moments, while the inside trio looked dangerous. Ailish O’Reilly, Siobhán McGrath and Aoife Donohue carried a major threat when supplied with possession. McGrath almost put Finnerty through on goal and O’Reilly linked up well with Dolan for two points, while she was fouled for another pointed free.

Donohue drew two fouls, which were pointed, while she also scored herself after a great move involving Niamh Kilkenny and Finnerty. Galway created a major goal chance when Spellman’s attempted shot broke to Dolan, but her effort was saved by Aoife Norris. Unfortunately for the Galway free taker, she missed her easiest placed ball of the day just before half-time.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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