Galway survive big fright in edging out gallant Tipp

Galway 1-15

Tipperary 1-14

2019 finalists Galway will be counting their blessings that they still have a say in this year’s All-Ireland senior ladies’ football championship after surviving a Halloween scare against a plucky Tipperary outfit at the Gaelic Grounds last Saturday.

Outscored by 1-3 to a point in the closing five minutes, Galway can thank their decorated All-Star defender Sinead Burke for a couple of timely interventions, including a last-ditch tackle on Tipperary corner forward Ava Fennessey with 20 seconds left on the clock.

There was only a point between the two sides at this stage and even the concession of a free would, in all likelihood, have led to a score, given the outstanding form Tipperary sharpshooter Aishling Moloney was in. She kicked 1-10 in all, seven from frees, in her Player of the Match display.

Moloney’s goal – a fisted effort to the net – with four minutes left on the countdown clock was no more than Tipperary deserved. It left Galway, who had led 1-10 to 0-5 at half-time, scrambling to hold onto a fragile lead, which they just about did.

While Galway’s performance was competent without being spectacular in the first half, their second half endeavours were loose and untidy, with volumes of possession given away cheaply.

In addition, Galway’s bigger players were not to be seen for the most part in this period, although credit to Burke, Fabienne Cooney, captain Louise Ward and substitute Ailbhe Davoren for doing their utmost to grab this game by the scruff of the neck late on.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.

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