Cillian McDaid, Galway, and Conn Kilpatrick, Tyrone, in Allianz Football League action. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfil
Allianz Football League Division One
Galway 1-18 (1-6-6) Tyrone 1-18 (1-2-14)
By Cian O’Connell at Tuam Stadium
A compelling contest in the west eventually ended with the spoils being divided.
Shane Walsh’s sweet two pointer free with the last kick of the afternoon into the teeth of the wind ensured Galway preserved their unbeaten record.
Mattie Donnelly had edged Tyrone in front moments earlier, but Galway’s perseverance was rewarded.
Tyrone contributed handsomely to a splendid match, enjoying many productive moments in a lively opening period with the teams departing deadlocked at the break, 0-11 to 1-8.
With Malachy O’Rourke’s outfit primed for a battle, Galway’s long range shooting was a key factor initially.
Before the interval Galway nailed four two pointers including frees from Rob Finnerty (2) and Walsh, and one gorgeous effort from play by Paul Conroy.
At the opposite end of the field, though, Tyrone, prompted by the excellent Darragh Canavan and Mark Bradley, were impressing.
A ninth minute goal, crafted in Errigal Ciaran, highlighted Tyrone’s ability as Peter Harte’s laser pass located Canavan, who supplied a crisp finish.
Canavan’s major guided Tyrone 1-2 to 0-2 ahead at the juncture and the game continued at a decent clip.
In the 13th minute Galway custodian Conor Flaherty made a sharp penalty save to deny Harte as the locals survived a significant scare.
When the interval eventually rolled around the teams were deadlocked and the issue was delicately poised.
Tyrone were backed by a strong breeze after the restart, but they were unable to shrug off Galway’s resistance.
Bradley and Canavan caused plenty of damage, but Galway were still very much in contention, trailing 1-15 to 0-15 with 12 minutes left.
Galway captain Seán Kelly was fouled by Peter Teague with Walsh converting the resultant penalty with aplomb.
Tyrone substitute Darren McCurry rifled over a brilliant point. Walsh summoned an equaliser. Then Donnelly edged Tyrone two clear with a fine score from outside the arc.
Admirably, Galway refused to be perturbed, and a Tyrone breach was punished with Walsh expertly nailing a free from the deck. It was a fitting end to a thoroughly enjoyable encounter.
Scorers for Galway: Shane Walsh 1-7 (1-0 pen, 3 2ptf), Rob Finnerty 0-4 (2 2pts), Cillian McDaid, Paul Conroy (2pt) and Jack O’Neill (1f) 0-2 each, Céin D’Arcy 0-1.
Scorers for Tyrone: Darragh Canavan 1-5 (2fs), Mark Bradley 0-7 (1 2ptf, 1m, 1f), Mattie Donnelly 0-3 (1 2pt), Conn Kilpatrick, Kieran McGeary, and Darren McCurry 0-1 each.
Galway: Conor Flaherty; Johnny McGrath, Jack Glynn, Daniel O’Flaherty; Liam Silke, Seán Ó Maoilchiaráin, Seán Kelly; Cian Hernon, John Maher; Cathal Sweeney, Cillian McDaid, Jack O’Neill; Rob Finnerty, Paul Conroy, Shane Walsh.
Subs: Dylan McHugh for Glynn (HT), Céin D’Arcy for Hernon (HT), Matthew Thompson for Sweeney (55), Finnian Ó Laoi for O’Neill (58, temp), Brian Mannion for Finnerty (58, temp), Kieran Molloy for McDaid (70).
Tyrone: Niall Morgan; Niall Devlin, Peter Teague, Aidan Clarke; Michael McKernan, Rory Brennan, Kieran McGeary; Brian Kennedy, Conn Kilpatrick; Aodhan Donaghy, Mattie Donnelly, Ciarán Daly; Peter Harte, Mark Bradley, Darragh Canavan.
Subs: Joe Oguz for Donaghy (53), Darren McCurry for Peter Harte (57).
Referee: Brendan Cawley (Kildare).
