Galway Edge Tyrone in Omagh

Sunday 18.02.2024

County

Allianz National League Division 1
Tyrone 0-12 1-10 Galway

Galway continued their good recent record against Tyrone when they left Healy Park with both points after victory by the minimum margin.  It looked promising for Tyrone at half time as they led 6-4, despite a sluggish start, which saw a Robert Finnerty inspired Galway dominate the scoring and possession leading 4-2 after 15 minutes. The Connacht side failed to score again in the half.

A driving run by Conn Kilpatrick almost yielded a goal, but he was denied by Gleeson, however it did seem to ignite Tyrone and scores from Peter Harte, and outstanding efforts from Niall Morgan and Darragh Canavan put Tyrone in front in the 30th minute.  Kilpatrick was called upon at the other end, making a vital interception to prevent a Galway goal. A long-range Morgan free kick completed the first half scoring.

Galway began the second half with intent Matthew Tierney scoring directly from the throw-in and minutes later, Johnny Heaney tied the game.  Tyrone responded well points from Canavan and Conall Devlin reestablished the two point advantage, however they were caught napping from the restart and Cathal Sweeney gave Morgan no chance as he fired to the net.

A long range point from Michael McKernan tied it up with 20 minutes to go. Points from O’Flaherty and Heaney put the visitors back in front. Quick thinking from Kilpatrick nearly released Canavan but his goal effort was deflected wide. Tyrone were dealt a further blow when Darragh Canavan had to be withdrawn.

Ciaran Daly halved the deficit as the game entered its final 10 minutes before Niall Morgan expertly saved from Sweeney at the expense of a 45. Morgan made a huge catch high above the cross bar to prevent a point from the kick.  Points from Finnerty and McGrath looked like they had secured victory but Tyrone rallied strongly Ciaran Daly with his third of the afternoon and a converted mark by Conn Kilpatrick gave Tyrone hope but while on the attack deep in Galway territory, Referee adjudged that time was up and brought the game to a finish.

A disappointing game from a Tyrone perspective, they will rue the opportunity especially as Galway were with Shane Walsh and Damien Comer.  Tyrone are back in action next Saturday when they host Mayo.

Galway Scorers: R Finnerty 0-4, (1f, 1m), C Sweeney 1-0, J Heaney 0-2, M Tierney, J McGrath, D O’Flaherty, P Conroy 0-1 each.

Tyrone Scorers: D Canavan (1f) and C Daly (1m) 0-3 each , N Morgan 0-2 (1f), M McKernan, P Harte, C Devlin, C Kilpatrick (m) 0-1 each.

Galway: C Gleeson; J McGrath, S Fitzgerald, S Mulkerrin; D McHugh, J Daly, K Molloy; P Conroy, J Maher; J Heaney, M Tierney, C Sweeney; R Finnerty, C O Curraoin, L O Conghaile. Subs: C Darcy for O Curraoin (31), R Cunningham for Conroy (HT), D O’Flaherty for Molloy (42), N Daly for Tierney (63).

Tyrone: N Morgan; C Devlin, P Hampsey, A Clarke; N Devlin, M McKernan, C Quinn; B Kennedy, A Donaghy; P Harte, C Kilpatrick, S O’Donnell; L McGarrity, D Canavan, C Daly. Subs: R Canavan for D Canavan, K McGeary for McGarrity, M McGleenan for Donaghy (59).

Referee: J McQuillan (Cavan).