The Galway Ladies footballers edged Mayo by a single point, 0-21 to 1-17, at McHale Park, Castlebar, on Sunday, to bag their fourth Connacht title in succession.
Galway, who were also in the Tesco National League final earlier this year when they were narrowly defeated by Cork in a replay, led by 0-11 to 0-9 at half time. Annette Clarke was in good form for Galway, helping to open up an early six-point lead, but Cora Staunton, who was immense for the Mayo side, ensured Mayo stayed in contention until the final whistle.
In the end Kevin Reidy's Galway were forced to dig deep in the second half as Staunton, who scored a stunning 1-15 of her side's 1-17, took control. And when Galway's Emer Flaherty sin-binned with 14 minutes remaining, Mayo looked set to send Galway through the back dow.
However Galway rallied, and some inspired play by Tracey and Roisín Leonard, and a late winning point from substitute Patricia Gleeson, saw the Galway women crowned Connacht champions again in 2015.
Clarke ended the game with six points (0-4fs ), Tracey Leonard also hit six points (0-3fs ), while Roisin Leonard hit 0-3 from play as well. Louise Ward and Olivia Divilly also had fine games for the victors.
