An all-Galway FAI Cup final sprinkled with intriguing sub plots was always likely to capture the imagination. With so many decorated individuals involved there was no shortage of stimulating stories. Some had brought All Ireland Gaelic Football glory west, others graced the country’s emerald green shirt, several of the protagonists came within a whisker of attaining a berth in the second round of European competition, and the Mullins clan had a family member in each camp. It was one of those kind of emboldening occasions exposing what sport is all about.
While the crowd was sparse those who braved the inclement weather were treated to an opening that didn’t lack perspiration. Salthill Devon’s neat central midfield duo Meabh de Burca and Ruth Fahy probed, intelligently eager to release Brenda Flannery and Julie Ann Russell who patrolled the flanks.
It was the two wingers who combined seven minutes in as Russell’s deep cross found Flannery, who tested Melissa Casserly with a venomous left footed effort. Early on it was all Salthill as Fahy’s energy ensured they were dictating the pace of the contest.
Lucy Hannon was lively in attack, too, for Salthill and the busy frontrunner was being ably supported by Flannery and Russell, who were similarly crafty out wide.
Despite being under considerable duress there was plenty to admire in the resilient manner in which Bohemians were defending with Annette Clarke and Theresa Fahy offering custodian Casserly protection. Twenty two minutes had elapsed when Bohs’ right full Deirdre Connell was forced to make a smashing intervention to thwart Russell.
As the half evolved Bohs started to enjoy some productive moments themselves. Grainne Barrett’s splendid free kick was glanced over by Rebecca McPhilbin as Salthill endured an anxious spell. Another Bohs set piece drew a penalty appeal following a Barrett corner as Bohs now searched for an opener, but they discovered that Emer Flatley and Ann Marie McDonagh were safe and sound. For all the ardent endeavour the teams displayed they still departed deadlocked at the break.
But eight minutes after the restart the evening’s complexion altered when Salthill pinched the lead. Becky Walsh drilled the ball into Lucy Hannon, who controlled delightfully before prodding an equally tasty finish past Casserly.
The opportunities were scarce until a frenetic finale saw both outfits come close. At one end Kara Mullins had a couple of efforts on target, while Lucy Hannon continued to pose problems in the other half. With McDonagh immense anchoring the defence and Fahy as dynamic in the middle, Salthill closed the deal to add further national silverware to their burgeoning list of honours.
Galway Bohemians: M Casserly; D Connell, T Fahy, A Clarke, T Gavin; M Glynn, G Barrett (H Duffy, 60 ), L Rice (Lynch-Joyce, 73 ), A Burke; R McPhilbin, K Mullins.
Salthill Devon: N Cullina; B Walsh, E Flatley, A-M McDonagh, A Hannon (C Carter, 89 ); B Flannery (A McCormack, 62 ), R Fahy, M de Burca, JA Russell (T Mullins, 67 ); R O’Brien, L Hannon.
Referee: A O’Neill.
