Gleeson lands late winner in thrilling ladies showdown

Galway 0-21

Mayo 1-17

SEAN RICE

IN the dying minutes of a thriller, Galway snatched victory with a late, late point by Patricia Gleeson. It was a close shave. For much of the second half on Sunday their Connacht crown wobbled uncertainly under the weight of Mayo’s determined challenge at MacHale Park.

In the end, though, they stole over the line, and greater all-round skill and unflagging confidence were their chief weapons. It was riveting stuff. Galway, bidding for their fourth successive Connacht title, exhibited greater finesse and teamwork and for a lot of the first quarter threatened to engulf the outsiders in fast breaks and attacking flair. You could understand why they were clear favourites.

Everywhere they seemed in control, polished and well organised; everywhere, that is, except wherever Mayo’s Cora Staunton roamed. Almost alone, the Mayo virtuoso was the only threat to Galway’s title. Of their total, the incomparable Mayo woman scored an awesome 1-15, eight of the points from frees.

She was the driving force of Mayo’s recovery in the second quarter inspiring a persistent, combined team effort that helped reduce Galway’s six-points lead to two and perhaps forced the champions re-evaluate the strength of their rivals.

In the end, however, there was no denying the superior package of skills displayed by the Tribeswomen. The efficiency with which they heaped up seven points to Mayo’s one inside the opening 12 minutes reflected their status as one of the top teams in the country.

Breaking fast from defence, Barbara Hannon, Nicola Ward and Sinead Burke were the source of many of the scores carved out by Roisin Leonard, Olivia Divilly and gifted full forward Tracey Leonard.

Unlike Mayo’s dependence on Cora Staunton, Galway¹s strengths were evenly distributed, all capable of scoring, all working selflessly for one another.

Midfielder Annette Clarke reeled in three of those early points, all of the from frees, the other four were divided among Maria Hoey, Tracey Leonard, Caitriona Leonard and Louise Ward. Nothing Mayo did could stem the tide.

Then as if they had sniffed a little weakness in the defence, the challengers came alive. Rachel Kearns tested Johanna Connolly in the Galway goal with a low shot. Staunton set up the move and the redoubtable star followed up with four points without reply. Another shot from her rebounded off a post.

The battle had begun to even out somewhat. Mayo’s tireless Fiona McHale, Fiona Doherty and the excellent Aileen Gilroy won breaking ball around midfield. All were putting their backs fully into the work as Staunton exchanged points with Tracey Leonard, and Annette Clarke. So by half time, the champs were in front by 0-11 to 0-9 and the massacre predicted by many had not yet materialised.

Full report in this week’s Connacht Tribune.