Galway survive late Sligo scare to win Connacht title
All Ireland champions Galway withstood Sligo’s ferocious second half revival at Castlebar’s McHale park to secure their 41st senior Connacht title, winning 1-11 0-11.
Derek savage’s 31st minute penalty, the game’s only goal, proved crucial as the winners only kicked four points in the second period.
Sligo were boosted by the introduction of several second half substitutes including the centre David Durkin who scored two points of Sligo’s seven points in the second period.
But the Sligo goal never materialised as strong Galway defending, with Ciaran Fitzgewrald impressive, snuffed out Sligo’s attacks.
Galway dominated a breeze assisted first half and were leading by five points after 17 minutes.
These scores included three points from the excellent Padraig Joyce and superb longrange efforts from his older brother Tommy.
Sligo, who looked threatening when midfielder Eamon O’Hara won possession, shot their first point after 18 minutes, when Dessi Sloyan converted a free all of sligo’s first half scores came from frees.
Galway’s crucial score was a 31st minute penalty awarded following Niel darew’s foul on Padraig Joyce.
Derek savage clinicaly converted the spot kick to help give Galway a six point interval lead, 1 7 0 4.
