Galway defeated Donegal last Sunday afternoon to reach their second All-Ireland final in three years. The scoreboard in Croke Park read 1-14 to 0-15 in favour of the Tribesmen at the final whistle.
It was a game which saw the sides level on ten separate occasions. And while Galway benefited from a fortuitous goal in the first half, there were three key areas in which the Tribesmen were successful. They will need to repeat the dose in these areas if they are to beat Armagh on July 28.
Kickout dominance
Galway won 21 out of 22 of their own kickouts (13 of 14 long ). Connor Gleeson was on point off the tee in the first half, taking his time and waiting for the space to open to hit the likes of John Maher, Matthew Tierney, and Damien Comer, bypassing the early Donegal press.
Donegal had no option during a tight second half but to give up the Galway kickout and retreat, such was the accuracy of the Dunmore man's dead ball kicks.
Gleeson may have had a rocky start to his Galway career in 2020, but he continues to improve with every game and has been one of the best keepers in the country this year.
High scoring
half-back line
Galway’s half-back line came up with four points from play, and Dylan McHugh’s driving runs yielded two points of his own. The Corofin man was deservedly presented with the player-of-the-match award.
Furthermore, Liam Silke scored two important points in the second half, and Seán Mulkerrin continued his impressive comeback season with another solid display.
Conversely, Donegal couldn’t get their so-far impressive half back line into the game. They were continually herded down blind alleys, resorting to pot shots from distance thanks to the discipline of Galway’s defence - and the fabulous work-rate of their half forward line.
Subs prove vital
Galway introduced substitutes Daniel O’Flaherty, Johnny Heaney, John Daly, Kieran Molloy and Tomo Culhane during Sunday's semi-final. Each of these players had an individual positive influence on proceedings.
Half forwards O’Flaherty and Heaney provided much-needed energy to see their side over the line. Daly, after not starting the last three games, came in and solidified the centre of Galway’s defence in the final ten minutes. Molloy's introduction saw him win a breaking ball off a Galway kickout to ease the pressure in the closing stages. Finally, Culhane used his one possession to cut inside the loose Donegal rear guard, winning his side a 45’ in the final minute of the game.
It must also be noted that Galway started the match without their injured captain Seán Kelly, and although the Maigh Cuilinn man didn’t get on the field, he is yet another player that can start or come in at any stage to great effect.
Galway were better than Donegal in all three of these facets of the game. And as all eyes now turn to July 28, Joyce and his team will know that if they can further build on Sunday's performance, then they will have a fantastic chance of bringing Sam Maguire back across the Shannon for the first time since 2001.
