Heart Of Galway 0-15
Local Authorities (Sligo ) 2-08
The Heart of Galway survived a late Sligo rally to claim the Connacht Senior Football Interfirms Championship for the third time in four years. In the end a one-point victory over Local Authorities in Tourlestrane was sufficient, having entered the latter stages of the match leading by six points before the Local Authorities rallied.
In control for most of the match, Heart Of Galway, with Michael Meehan leading the way, were two points clear at the interval.
Both sides had exchanged points in the opening minutes of the second half before a succession of points from Mark Lydon (2 ), Ray Conneely, and Nicky Joyce had the Galway men six clear approaching the final quarter.
However the Sligo boys were thrown a lifeline when substitute Declan Colley goaled to leave only two points between the sides. Two pointed frees from Michael Meehan steadied the ship before further points from Nicky Joyce and Martin O Connor re-opened a six-point with time running out.
The final five minutes were full of drama. The Local Authorities were awarded a penalty when Barry Warde was impeded in the small square. Donnacha Gallagher’s kick came crashing off the crossbar, and a foot block resulted in another penalty. This time Gallagher sent the ball over the bar. Then with the match entering injury time Gallagher made amends when he crashed home to leave only two points between the sides.
The Sligo men had another chance in stoppage time, but Gerry McGowan’s free was pushed over the crossbar.
The Galway side is now through to the All Ireland semi-final where they play the Ulster champions, Ulster Coaches.
Heart Of Galway: P Doherty, D McDonagh, S Brady, E Graham, A Kane, G O Donnell, M Lydon (0-2 ), J Bergin (0-1 ), R Conneely (0-1 ), M Meehan (0-6 ), N Joyce (0-2 ), S Crowe, P Lydon (0-2 ), B Conneely, Subs: K Nally, M O Connor (0-1 ).
Local Authorities: D Kerrins, C Carroll, N Maguire, C Neary, J Martyn, M McNamara, P Gallagher, S Davy, S Warde, P Lyon (0-1 ), A Costello, J O Flaherty, G Mullane, B Warde (0-2 ), G McGowan (0-3 ). Subs: D Gallagher (1-2 ), D.Colley (1-0 ).
