Galway Ladies issued a strong statement of intent when they easily overcame Tyrone in the TG4 All Ireland Senior Ladies Football championship quarter-final in Cavan on Saturday by 2-20 to 2-5.
Despite a month’s break since retaining their Connacht crown against Mayo, Galway were full of running and were up a goal through Ger Conneally and a point from Tracey Leonard inside the first two minutes.
Although Tyrone replied with a Cathy Donnelly point, Galway maintained the pressure, and more points from Edel Concannon (2 ), player of the match Annette Clarke (3 ), and one each from Rebecca McPhilbin, captain Sinead Burke, Barbara Hannon, and Aoibheann Daly before Tyrone got on the scoresheet again.
With a lead of 1-11 to 0-2 at the break, Galway continued where they left off with points from Clarke and Concannon. Despite a yellow card for Emer Flaherty, Galway’s attack was completely on top against a depleted Tyrone.
Two points from Roisin Leonard and 1-1 from Lorna Joyce ensured all the Galway forwards got in on the scoring action.
Although goals from Niamh O’Neill and Catriona McGann added some respectability to the Tyrone tally, Galway were convincing winners.
The remaining two quarter-finals are down for decision at St Brendan's Park, Birr on Saturday with Munster champions Kerry taking on Mayo, and holders Cork up against Leinster champions Dublin.
GALWAY: J Connolly, N Ward, M Coyne, O Dixon, R McPhilbin (0-1 ), E Flaherty, S Burke (0-01 ), A Clarke (0-05 ), G Conneally (1-00 ), B Hannon (0-02 ), A Daly (0-01 ) T Leonard (0-01 ), R Leonard (0-04,1 free ), L Joyce (1-01 ) E Concannon (0-04, 1 free ). Subs, S Jackson for Concannon, G O’ Connor( 0-01 ) for Tracey Leonard, N Connolly for Daly.
