Leonard leads the goal blitz as Galway crush arch rivals

Galway 5-11

Mayo 0-12

GALWAY’S senior ladies football team are in the All-Ireland semi-finals for the first time since 2014 after they inflicted another defeat over Connacht rivals Mayo last Sunday.

Two Roisin Leonard strikes along with goals for Caitriona Cormican, Ailbhe Davoren and Leanne Coen gave Stephen Glennon’s charges a more emphatic result then their two-point Connacht final success in setting up a showdown with defending champions Dublin on Saturday week (4.30pm).

It wasn’t without disappointment as Davoren picked up a serious knee injury with 15 minutes remaining which looks set to conclude her season.  But while concern for her, and clubmate Aine McDonagh, will occupy management’s thoughts over the next few days, the panel will sense an opportunity and possible Croke Park appearance is within their grasp.

Since June’s Connacht Final, Galway have handled the favourites tag well, flying past Waterford and Westmeath with an aggregate of 9-29.  And even though early nerves on Sunday meant a competitive first quarter, when they put the foot down, they left Peter Leahy’s team in their wake.

Mayo needed a strong start as they tried to leave their troubles behind. Twelve defections (including names like Sarah Tierney, Fiona McHale and Cora Staunton) were an unwelcome distraction but they started quickly as Fiona Doherty converted after just three minutes.

Doherty was Mayo’s chief scorer finishing with five points from play but didn’t get the necessary support from her attacking comrades. Outside the Moy Davitts winger, all their other points came from frees bar points from Sinead Cafferkey, Niamh and Grace Kelly.

Galway’s defence refused to yield until the final whistle. And after a few early spurned chances, the maroon and white were 0-4 to 0-1 ahead on 16 minutes. Coen sent over the equaliser before Roisin Leonard converted a free. But two more for Coen gave Galway a three-point lead.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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