Mayo secured their first TG4 Connacht Senior Championship title since 2016, ending Galway’s hopes of five provincial titles in-a-row.
Mayo winning out 3-13 to 2-9 writes Ivan Smyth. Michael Moyles’ side produced a superb second half performance as they outscored Galway 2-6 to 1-1 in the final period.
Goals from Tamara O’Connor, Rachel Kearns and Sinead Walsh helped Mayo secure top honours as Danielle Caldwell starred. Mayo kicked 1-4 without reply from the 43rd to the 52nd minutes, the defining period of the game.
The opening stages saw Mayo start in whirlwind fashion. Kicking 1-3 without reply in the opening six minutes. Tamara O’Connor palming to the net as she finished off a flowing team move.
Galway struggled from their own kick-out early-on, but when beating the Mayo press, Tracey Leonard kicked a settling score. Mayo looked razor sharp up-front, Lisa Cafferky helped Mayo in to a five-point lead after 11 minutes.
Galway then showed impressive composure scoring 1-4 without reply. Kate Slevin cut out a short Mayo kick-out before lobbing Laura Brennan in the Mayo goal with an astute finish. Charlotte Cooney moved Galway in-front for the first time in the contest on 18 minutes.
Even though Deirdre Doherty slotted over two frees for Mayo, Leonard and Ailbhe Davoren efforts helped Galway lead 1-8 to 1-7 at half-time.
Second-half
The second period saw Mayo start on the front foot, Sinéad Cafferky curled over two excellent scores to help Mayo regain the lead.
Galway showed their mettle, battling back in front. Leanne Coen showed her persistence when she finished low to the net after being denied by Laura Brennan and a cohort of Mayo defenders.
Mayo refused to panic, socring 1-4 without reply as they regained control of the contest. Substitute Shauna Howley kicked two frees before fellow replacement Shauna Howley arrowed over.
Walsh made a terrific impact off the bench as she was fouled inside the square. Kearns dispatched the penalty to the net.
A Roisin Leonard free stopped the rot but Walsh’s late goal ensured Mayo would not be caught.
Mayo: L Brennan, S Lally, R Flynn, É Ronayne, K Sullivan, F McHale, T O’Connor, A Geraghty, R Kearns, S Mulvihill, D Caldwell, S Cafferky, T Needham, D Doherty, L Cafferky.
Subs: S Walsh for T Needham (36), S Howley for R Flynn (45), M Cannon for S Mulvihill (48), C Needham for F McHale (57), L Wallace for T O’Connor (57).
Scorers: R Kearns 1-2, (1-0 pen), S Walsh 1-1, D Doherty 0-3 (3f), T O’Connor 1-0, S Howley (2f), L Cafferky and S Cafferky 0-2 each, T Needham 0-1.
Galway: A Griffin, K Geraghty, S Ní Loingsigh, A Ní Cheallaigh, C Cooney, N Ward, H Noone, A Davoren, S Divilly, E Noone, O Divilly, L Coen, T Leonard, L Ward, K Slevin.
Subs: B Quinn for A Ní Cheallaigh (40), L Noone for E Noone (40), A Molloy for H Noone (40), M Seoighe for T Leonard (48), R Leonard for K Slevin (48).
Scorers: K Slevin 1-2, L Coen 1-0, T Leonard 0-2 (1f), O Divilly, L Ward, R Leonard (1f), C Cooney, A Davoren 0-1 each.
Ref: John Niland (Sligo).
