All-Ireland Masters Football Championship
Galway 2-13 Sligo 1-05
This was a game that was much closer than the scoreline suggests with the visitors in their first year of masters football giving the 4 time finalists plenty to think about, especially in the opening half.
Sligo settled better and opened the scoring with a point before Galway opened their account with a well taken goal from Dunmore McHales man John Slattery. Sligo added another point before Galway found their rhythm with points from Thomas Finneran, Fergal McEvoy who added three points in a row to make it 1-05 to 0-02.
Declan Beirne added a point and Slattery punched a high ball goal bound which was tipped over the bar by Sligo keeper Gerry Dooner. McEvoy and Donal O’Flatharta added points to leave the half time score 1-08 to 1-04.
Sligo again started the brightest by getting a point but after that it was Galway with their large panel of players driving forward in the second half. Galway added points from Shay Walsh, Slattery, and O’Flatharta with another point with Damien Collins scoring Galways last point to leave a final score of final Galway 2-13 Sligo 1-05. The goal coming from Thomas Finneran.
This was a strong Sligo team with many players who played inter county such as Declan Cawley, David Durkin, Paul Durcan, Con O’Meara, John Kenny, Nigel Clancy and Fergal Kelly.
Galway was well served in defence by Vinny Small, Ger Keane and Kieran Kelly with Derwin Costello and Denis Fallon providing great pace on the wings. The midfield was marshalled by Declan Mahon and Shay Walsh and all forwards moved very well and provided some great scores.
Galway now face Mayo in a top of the table clash with the venue and date to be confirmed.
Galway: Lloyd Kelly, Ollie Hannon, Richie Donovan, Vinny Small, Derwin Costelloe, Kieran Kelly, Denis Fallon, Declan Mahon, Shay Walsh, Declan Beirne, Fergal McEvoy, Thomas Finneran, John Slattery, Donal O Flatharta, Eamon O’Shea, John Davin, Aidan Potter, Connie Guidrea, Damien Collins, David Barrett, Ger Keane, Ger Lee, John Wilson, Kevin Lee, Mike Quinn, Thomas Conneally, Micheal McDonnacha, Timmy O Flatharta, Phelim Mc Donnell, Eoin McGinn, Damien Garvey and Tom Walsh.