Galway WFC concluded the WNL season with a dynamic display to defeat Peamount United 5-2 on Saturday.
It was a remarkable comeback from Stephen Lally's outfit, who trailed by two goals early on. Galway, though, summoned a gritty response to claim a victory which ensured that Peamount were knocked off top spot by Shelbourne, who overcame Wexford Youths, at Tolka Park.
The manner in which Galway finished the campaign offers significant hope for the future. An FAI Cup semi-final appearance and two league away wins against Wexford and Peamount illustrates the development of the squad
Considering Lally's first game in charge was a heavy four goal away loss to Peamount, the improvement has been dramatic. Despite the concession of goals to Peamount's Aine O'Gorman and Tiegan Ruddy in the first quarter Lally's side remained composed.
Emma Starr, the influential midfielder, gave Galway hope with a 35th minute goal and then Lynsey McKey levelled before the break. Suddenly Galway were playing with confidence again with the second half peformance decorated by goals from Shauna Brennan, Julie Ann Russell, and a gorgeous effort from Abbie Callanan.
The fact that teenagers Leah Hayes Coen, Therese Kinnevey, Kate Slevin, Brennan, and Callanan were part of such an encouraging triumph adds another source of optimism for Galway WFC.
That Galway WFC U19s completed a league and cup double the following day concluded a glorious stint for the club. So many of that squad have already sampled action in the WNL with Galway establishing a solid foundation.
Lally's work has assisted in a splendid conclusion to the footballing year for Galway with the mid season additions of Becky Walsh, Meabh De Burca, Starr, and Russell pivotal. Republic of Ireland senior international Savannah McCarthy's enduring excellence has been a key feature for Galway throughout 2021.
Now the challenge for Galway WFC is to be ready, willing, and able to compete from the outset of the 2022 campaign. Retaining that mix of emerging and established players will be a challenge, but Galway WFC move forward with equal measures of hope and expectation.
