Having shown plenty of skill en route to the FAI Umbro Youth Inter-League final, a competent Galway & District League side remained calm and composed in the decider when comprehensively defeating Wicklow at Drom on Sunday.
A year ago Galway were most unfortunate to lose at this stage in a tense penalty shoot-out, and from an early stage in the Wicklow encounter it was clear that Galway were not going to be denied this time around.
Only three minutes had elapsed when Brian Conlon's sharp cross located Pat Hoban, who thumped a powerful header to the back of the Wicklow net as Galway settled impressively.
Dominant in the opening period Galway extended the advantage on 28 minutes when centre half Mike Elwood swept home a clever Dan Cunningham corner.
Wicklow, though, responded after the interval, and finally found a way past the excellent Ronan Forde in the 67th minute as a looping Dara Verney effort crossed the line to give the visitors a chance.
Galway, playing into the teeth of a strong wind, continued to pass and probe, and their industrious approach work was rewarded nine minutes from time as substitute Conor Murray grabbed an opportunistic goal from close range.
This is a particularly promising group of footballers with squad members Forde, Elwood, Paul Scally, Daryl Horgan, Daniel Cunningham, Enda Curran and Philip Ryan all blessed with senior League of Ireland experience, while others have shone as Republic of Ireland schools internationals.
