Galway’s early season cheer thanks to FBD Final success

Galway 1-18

Roscomon 1-16

John McIntyre in Bekan

ONLY the second Friday in January and Galway footballers already have some silverware on the sideboard. How’s that for hitting the ground running in 2022.

Mind you, there were enough flaws in Galway’s erratic display in the Connacht FBD League Final to ensure everybody in the Tribesmen’s camp will be keeping a sense of perspective after the county’s tenth triumph in the competition.

Between a lethargic start and nervous finish, Galway made life difficult for themselves on their second visit to the new Connacht Air Dome in the space of a week. In the long run, it’s probably better anyway that they are not burning it up so early in the season.

Though Roscommon were short nearly two thirds of their regular team – largely due to the club commitments of the Pearses and St Faithleach’s contingents – they were significantly the sharper outfit in the first half and were unlucky to lead by only 0-10 to 1-6 at the interval.

That 23rd minute goal was badly needed by Galway and, typical of modern-day football when players are liable to pop up anywhere, it wasn’t the greatest surprise to see Patrick’s Kelly’s lofted pass across the square finished to the net by full back Seán Fitzgerald.

Playing only his second game at this level, the young Barna defender displayed a positive temperament in venturing so far up field as he was having some early difficulties on Donie Smith in front of the Galway posts.

It was symbolic of the winners’ initial defensive troubles. Conor Cox was an even bigger handful in the Roscommon inside line as he rattled over three points inside the opening four minutes after the accurate Rob Finnerty had got Galway off their mark in their first attack of the final.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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