Two goals for Galway attacker in big win over Donegal but Kerry up next

WHAT a difference a win makes.

Over a fortnight ago, an angry-looking middle-aged supporter burst onto the pitch at Pearse Stadium and verbally ‘let fly’ at Galway senior football manager, Kevin Walsh, after his side was humbled in Roscommon’s unexpected nine-points Connacht final success.

Fast forward to last Saturday evening at Markievicz Park, following Galway’s dazzling Donegal demolition (4-17 to 0-14) in the 4A Qualifier, and that same man was spotted out on the field congratulating players in maroon. It just shows the fickleness of sport, and of some supporters.

Against Roscommon, Johnny Heaney was criticised for conceding turnovers from two short kick-outs early on . . . against Donegal, the Killannin man bounced back with a heroic performance, finishing with 2-2 and man-of-the-match.

It highlights once again what the Galway footballers – and the hurlers, too – are well aware of: a pat on the back is only a few inches away from a kick up the ass.

Still, Saturday’s unexpected redemption means that sports enthusiasts in Galway are looking forward to a feast of action over the coming week, as the knockout championship matches of the county’s two flagship GAA teams bookend Race Week.

Galway’s heroics against the Northerners qualifies them for an All-Ireland quarter-final against Kerry at Croke Park on Sunday at 2pm. The winners play Roscommon or Mayo, who square-off at GAA HQ at 4pm.

Meanwhile, the Galway senior hurlers have been drawn against Tipperary, for the third year running, in an All-Ireland semi-final clash that will take place at the Jones Road venue on Sunday week, August 6 at 3.30pm.

Galway footballers will be on a high after resurrecting their summer with a demolition job on a fancied Donegal outfit . . . but the prospect of facing the country’s in-form team, Munster and National League Division One champions, should be enough to refocus the minds.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.