Minors show killer instinct with a flurry of late points

It’s amazing how a game can turn in a matter of seconds. Laois were right in this, had Galway pushed to the pin of their collar, but one error in judgement – one poor decision – and it all came undone for them. Galway, on the other hand, saw their chance to strike for home and they duly took it.

The key moment arrived on the three-quarter mark. By this time, Galway had their noses in front compliments of a 38th minute Conor Whelan goal but a physically powerful Laois had edged their way back to within a point, 1-11 to 0-13, following two Darragh Cripps frees.

So came the decisive moment as Laois broke for the equaliser and all that remained was for corner forward Stephen Bergin to pick off his point to level the contest for the fourth time heading into the final quarter.

Instead, Bergin took on a difficult shot for goal which was saved by goalkeeper Cathal Tuohy and in the ensuing passage of play Portumna’s Ronan O’Meara knocked over a point to put Galway back in the driving seat.

To underline the significance of the two-point swing, the young Tribesmen would score eight points in the final quarter. Laois would not raise a single flag.

Overall, Galway manager Mattie Murphy will be delighted to get the win under the belt and will be more than satisfied with the application of his players although he will also acknowledge there is room for improvement.

Then again, this was Galway’s first competitive outing of the year – it takes time to get up to speed – while Laois were enjoying their sixth championship game and were all the sharper for it. They lacked nothing in intensity and their movement and interplay for three quarters of the fixture was a credit to the work their manager Pat Critchley had done with them.

That said, Murphy knows how to win these games – six All-Irelands bears testament to that – and the magic formula he has employed in his long and illustrious career at this level finally began to take effect the longer the game went on.

 Next up, Munster champions Limerick in the All-Ireland semi-final on August 18. The focus, as it should be, will be on performance and fundamental to that will be clinical finishing in front of the posts. Galway hit 11 wides – six and five – compared to Laois’ eight and any time this count goes into double figures it becomes a cause for concern.

In any event, the Limerick clash will be another step-up but with hard work and the right attitude it is a challenge Murphy and his charges should be equipped to meet.