Robert Finnerty broke Sligo hearts as the full-forward's palmed goal in second-half stoppage time sent holders Galway through to the Connacht decider.
The game’s only goal, which left two points between the sides, 1-13 to 0-14, was created by Damien Comer, Galway’s super sub who was needed to pull this game from the fire as Sligo, excellent for most of this well-contested semi-final, looked good value for a big win.
Galway, clear favourites for this tie, was looking to secure a ninth successive provincial final appearance, with Sligo aiming for a shock result that would earn a second consecutive Connacht final for the first time in their history as well as a place in the Sam Maguire Cup.
But the weight of history was certainly against Sligo – their previous defeat of Galway in the championship was 12 years ago and their most recent clash with Galway was a 14-point loss in last year’s provincial final.
Sligo tore up the script in the opening 21 minutes as they led 0-05 to 0-01.
In gloriously sunny conditions, the hosts tore into Galway and were threatening in possession as Patrick O’Connor, who scored 0-03 in that first half, was excellent.
Galway took a while to settle and they didn’t open their account until the 13th minute when Shane Walsh pointed.
Galway’s best phase delivered three points without reply as they went from four down to one down, 0-05 to 0-04, by the 23rd minute – Dylan McHugh, Johnny Heaney and Robert Finnerty were the scores during this purple patch.
But Sligo didn’t allow Galway to draw level and good points from Patrick O’Connor and Alan McLoughlin ensured there would be a three-point gap in Sligo’s favour at the break, 0-09 to 0-06.
Sligo, however, were fortunate that Galway missed a series of goal chances – Céin Darcy, Liam O’Conghaile, Jack McCabe and Dylan McHugh had opportunities to find the net.
The hosts continued to look the likelier winners for much of the second half. Twice they led by three points, 0-13 to 0-10 and 0-14 to 0-11, with excellent scores from Sean Carrabine and Niall Murphy keeping the home support on the edge of their seats.
But Galway, who had brought on Damien Comer with 42 minutes on the clock, were only a point behind, 0-11 to 0-10, when Comer landed the second of his two immense scores.
Galway’s talisman also went close with a goal effort but despite his impact and that of fellow substitute Kieran Molloy, who pointed, Galway were still trailing as matters went into additional time.
Sligo missed a couple of chances to be further in front yet still looked as if they would hang on for a famous victory.
Then Galway got a breakthrough after a Sligo defensive error. Comer and Heaney opened the door for Finnerty and his goal sent Galway through to a provincial final meeting with either Mayo or Roscommon.
Sligo: Aidan Devaney, Evan Lyons, Eddie McGuinness, Paul McNamara, Brian Cox, Nathan Mullen (0-01), Darragh Cummins (0-01), Sean Carrabine (0-01), Canice Mulligan (0-01), Cian Lally (0-01), Alan McLoughlin (0-02), Patrick O’Connor (0-03), Paul Kilcoyne, Niall Murphy (0-03, 1f 1 'mark’), Mickey Gordon (0-01)
Subs used: Lee Deignan for Mikey Gordon (52), Mark Walsh for Cian Lally (62), Peter Laffey for Darragh Cummins (65), Eoghan Smith for Sean Carrabine (67), Donal Conlon for Patrick O’Connor (70+1)
Galway: Conor Gleeson, Johnny McGrath, Sean Fitzgerald, Jack Glynn, Dylan McHugh (0-01), John Daly, Liam Silke, Paul Conroy, Sean Kelly, Johnny Heaney (0-01), Shane Walsh (0-01), Céin Darcy (0-02), Jack McCabe, Robert Finnerty (1-05, 1f), Liam O’Conghaile
Subs used: Damien Comer (0-02) for Jake McCabe (42), Cillian O’Curraoin for Shane Walsh (47), Daniel O’Flaherty for John Daly (55), Kieran Molloy (0-01) for Liam O’Conghaile (58), Patrick Egan for Paul Conroy (64)
Referee: Barry Tiernan (Dublin)
Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.
