Leonard’s late frees floor the All-Ireland champions

Galway 1-17

Dublin 1-15

AS the clocks went forward last Sunday, Galway’s ladies football team gave an indication of their summer ambitions by showing great resolve to inflict Dublin’s first defeat since their All-Ireland triumph last September.

Tracey Leonard converted two late frees as Stephen Glennon’s team picked up their third 2018 league victory and effectively booked their semi-final place.

Galway probably still need one more win and welcome Cork next Sunday, but even if that result doesn’t go the Tribeswomen’s way, they’ll travel to Mullingar the following week as red hot favourites against a Westmeath outfit destined for relegation.

It should be pointed out that it’s not the result against Dublin that will have Galway supporters excited, it was the manner in how it was achieved.

It’s not the first time Galway have travelled to the capital and came home with the points. Two years ago, they scored four goals against the Metropolitans. But on this day, they played a Dublin team at the peak of their powers.

Mick Bohan’s team hadn’t tasted defeat since last April and created multiple golden chances in the first half.

Galway started with three points in six minutes. Aine McDonagh set up Sarah Conneally for the opener before finishing a move involving Nicola Ward and Leanne Coen. Coen then made it 0-3 to 0-0.

Full coverage in this week’s Connacht Tribune