Leonard dazzles for Galway in downpour

TEAM captain Tracey Leonard scored 1-5 as Galway negotiated the dreadful conditions and a stiff challenge from Waterford to advance to the All-Ireland ladies football senior semi-finals where they’ll face rivals Mayo.

Waterford put up a big fight at Pearse Park on Saturday and Aileen Wall goaled twice, but she was unable to stop Galway setting up a repeat of the Connacht final in the last four.

Tracey Leonard and Wall traded goals in the first half but it was Galway who took a narrow 1-6 to 1-4 lead into half-time. They pushed on at the start of the second-half and though Wall scored her second goal, Tim Rabbitt’s side had enough to seal the win.

The chances of a free-flowing game were ruined by the torrential rain. It started in the third minute and never eased up, but the Pearse Park surface held up reasonably well despite the downpour.

See full match report in Tribune Sport.