Long break proves costly for Galway ladies

Date Published: 18-Aug-2009

THE long lay-off between their magnificent Connacht final victory and this tense and keenly fought All-Ireland senior ladies football quarterfinal proved Galway’s undoing in Ballymahon, Longford last Saturday evening. After producing a performance of guile, style and substance against great rivals Mayo in the provincial decider, the Tribeswomen – following their six-week sabbatical from competitive action – looked a pale shadow of the team that lit up the Connacht championship on July 5.

Indeed, from the outset, they struggled to find that rhythm and fluidity that was so prevalent in their play in the provincial decider, with, too often, possession turned over cheaply through a wayward handpass or kick. It was very uncharacteristic of Gay O’Brien’s outfit.

In contrast, Monaghan – having the benefit of a qualifier run in which, coincidentally, they put up a huge score of 0-22 against Down the week previously – looked sharper and more battle hardened from the throw-in and by half-time led 0-9 to 0-4.

Monaghan, though, had that strong breeze at their backs, which was a major advantage in launching attacks, via the long ball, from deep in the first period. If anything, they did not employ this tactic enough, electing, as many Northern teams do, to carry the ball into the tackle and beyond.

Consequently, Monaghan did…