Galway achieved an encouraging seven-point win over Dublin in Parnell Park, but it was not enough to book a place in this season's division one semi-finals of the National Football League.
Galway finished the League table on 12 points after this 4-12 to 1-14 win, but points difference has knocked them out of the semi-final race even with the Cork v Armagh game remaining. It mean attentions turns to their next competitive fixture which is the Connacht final against Mayo on Sunday July 3.
However, coming off the back of the 19-point loss to Cork, last weekend's victory over Dublin should prove good character-building exercise for Willie Ward’s developing and young squad.
Galway released Megan Glynn to centre-half forward against Dublin, and she caused havoc, running hard at the Dublin defence in the first period. Despite being without Sinead Goldrick, Dublin raced into an early 1-3 to 0-1 lead after star forward Sinead Aherne grabbed a goal from the penalty spot and a couple of points. However, with Patricia Gleeson orchestrating matters at midfield, Claregalway clubwoman Glynn grabbed Galway’s opening goal on the quarter hour mark.
Glynn was then heavily involved in both of Roisin Leonard’s goals in the 23rd and 24th minutes. Leonard shot three points before the break to see Galway into the dressing rooms 3-6 to 1-7 to the good after playing into the wind.
Galway hassled and harried the Dublin defence right from the full-forward line, and shot three points upon the resumption, before Mairead Seoighe shot another fine goal in the 35th minute.
Galway led 4-9 to 1-7 by this stage, but Dublin came back into the game from there until the final whistle without ever threatening a serious comeback as Aherne scored five of their final seven points.
Roisin Leonard shot Galway’s final three points from frees to secure the win, and see Galway conclude their National Football League with four wins and three losses from their seven fixtures.
Galway: T Hughes; S Gormally, N Connolly, S Hynes; F Cooney, N Ward, N Burke; P Gleeson (0-1 ) L Gannon: O Divilly, M. Glynn (1-0 ), M Seoighe (1-0 ); R Leonard (Corofin, 2-9, eight frees ), L Ward, E. Concannon (0-2 ). Subs: G O’Connor for Concannon (55 mins ); C Cooney for Seoighe (57 mins ); D Brennan for Divilly (60 mins ); A Donnelly for Glynn (64 mins ).
