Late scoring burst sees Minors through

Date Published: 03-Aug-2010

A POWERFUL finish, full of character and determination, enabled Galway minor footballers to storm past a fired-up Longford by getting five of the last six scores of this keenly contested All-Ireland minor championship quarterfinal clash at Dr Hyde Park, Roscommon last Saturday.

This heart-warming victory, desperately needed by football supporters in the county after such a disappointing year at other grades, was achieved despite being three points behind with less than 15 minutes remaining and the Leinster champions appearing to be in control.

After missing several chances, especially in the first half when they had the benefit of a very strong breeze, Longford got the breakthrough they had sought when a speculative ball into the goalmouth by corner- forward Declan Mimnagh was eventually forced over the line by Robbie Smith and the same player then pointed from a difficult angle for a 1-5 to 0-5 lead.

It was looking grim for Galway at that stage but they refused to panic and with the introduction of 6ft 4in Athenry man Thomas Flynn at midfield beginning to take effect and with another towering giant, Peadar O Griofa of Micheal Breathnach’s, showing leadership, they turned it around.

Young O Griofa himself kicked five magnificent points, three from play and two from long range right wing frees, as he drove Galway on but it was a great all round effort by the team and subs as they eventually took control of the game and won a deserved place in the semi-finals and a cherished outing in Croke Park.

There is no use pretending that this was a wonderful display by Galway – it wasn’t, and it would not have been good enough to beat either Mayo or Offaly who played at a much higher tempo in the opening game of the double bill, but in knockout sport the result is all that matters and that came right for them in the end.

It should be remembered too though that Longford had already beaten Offaly and an injury-ravaged Galway pushed Mayo hard for most of their encounter at Castlebar.

It was encouraging too that Galway should show such resolve and grit when things seemed to be going against them. This side is very well motivated by manager Gerry Fahy and selectors John Conole and Noel Meehan and they do not panic in the face of adversity. They were deprived of several key players throughout the campaign but have overcome the setbacks including the Mayo defeat to get this far.

For a full match report see page 23 of the Sentinel