Major win for Roscommon minors
The Roscommon minor football team that defeated Galway. Picture: Roscommon GAA.
Roscommon maintained their unbeaten start to this year’s Championship as they overcame a wasteful Galway.
The win ensures Roscommon keep up their healthy record in Tuam Stadium with this the county’s third win in their last five games at the spiritual home of Galway football. In fact, this is Roscommon’s sixth victory in their last eight games against Galway at this grade.
After a lively opening, Galway appeared the more menacing with full forward Darragh Costello causing problems off the ball. However, the home side were guilty of spurning chances with Costello denied by the crossbar when going for goal in the ninth minute.
Despite early scores from Sam Hannon and Enda Browne, Roscommon found themselves 0-3 to 0-2 down after 10 minutes. However, when Hannon was impeded after claiming a kickout, he was given the opportunity to slot a two point free which he duly took.
Despite falling behind once more Roscommon finished the half strong.
The visitors kicked five of the last six scores as Hannon and Shay McGuinness converted a free each while Dara Curran slotted three from the placed ball as the home supporters became frustrated with referee Shane Corcoran.
Their grievances rose when Galway were reduced to 14 men just before half time when Cillian O’Toole was black carded for an off the ball foul.
Roscommon didn’t hammer that advantage home as the sides kicked just a point apiece in the first 10 minutes of the second half.
Roscommon goalkeeper Cian Trimble produced a fine stop to deny Cian Hynes in the early stages of the second half as the hosts controlled the middle third.
Despite kicking six wides in the second half, Galway cut their arrears to two as a pair of Barry Keating frees and a Cillian O’Toole score gave the home fans cause to cheer.
Shay McGuinness and Keating traded efforts before Roscommon were dealt a blow when Luke Shally was black carded for an off the ball foul on JJ Oifoh as Dara Curran sought to move Roscommon three in front.
Despite this, Galway spurned key chances while Dean Casey struck the crossbar for Roscommon. Curran and Hannon frees, the latter brought forward after Galway didn’t hand the ball back, pushed the gap out and even though Ciaran O’Donnell slotted over for the hosts, Shane Moran’s men held out for a valuable win.
**Full report in Tuesday’s Roscommon Herald**
