In-form Galway ladies turn on the style in dismissing Kerry’s challenge

Galway  3-12                     

Kerry 2-9

Tommy Devane at Tuam Stadium

A devastating first half display from Galway provided the foundation for a third victory in the National Ladies Football League at Tuam Stadium on Sunday,

This win sees Galway currently lie in third place behind joint leaders Monaghan and Cork in Division One. With two remaining games gainst Monaghan and Mayo (both away ties), Kevin Reidy’s squad are in with a strong chance of challenging for league honours.

Having already taken the scalps of Laois, Tyrone and Dublin, this was a huge victory over a fancied Kingdom outfit. Kerry travelled to Tuam Stadium fresh from a morale boosting winning performance over Dublin last time out, but they were to play second fiddle to the Westerners who continue to improve game after game.

Sunday’s display by Galway was by far their best performance despite being denied the services of two key players. Both Annette Clarke and Aoibheann Daly were unavailable with the latter on honeymoon, but once again the strength of the current panel was evident as those given the chance gave plenty to ponder to the management team.

Galway were out of the traps in lightening fashion, laying down the law to their opponents. With the sides swopping a point a piece early on, the winners hit two crucial majors inside the opening ten minutes.

On seven minutes, the industrious Olivia Divilly gathered possession in her own half back line showing a clean pair of heels to her struggling marker. Divilly off-loaded to Louise Ward who in turn delivered a well-timed pass to Roisin Leonard who drilled home her side’s opening goal.

Kerry had little time to lick their wounds as 60 seconds later midfielder Patricia Gleeson took advantage of some hesitancy in the Kerry defence to punish the Kingdom with an excellent goal.

Galway’s’ dominance continued throughout an entertaining first half that saw seven different players, including team captain Geraldine Conneally, account for the winners half time total of 2-9. On the other-hand, Kerry were restricted to a handful of efforts and had to rely on the free taking skills of both Sarah Houlihan and Louise Ni Mhuircheartaigh for most of their tally of five points.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.