Galway ladies footballers crowned All-Ireland U20 Champions after victory over Donegal

Two goals inside 10 minutes from Alisha O’Malley, and another from her St. Fursey’s clubmate Ava Heneghan gave the girls in maroon a three-goal interval buffer that was never under threat despite the concession of a Caitlin Fletcher green flag during the third quarter.

Galway went through a month of uncertainty following a nine-point loss to Dublin back in May. With one round of their five-team group held back until after the Leaving Certificate examinations, they had to keep preparations going even if unsure of a final appearance.

But following the Metropolitans’ draw with Meath just two weeks ago, Galway were handed a reprieve and played like a team determined to make it count. Anyone unaware watching wouldn’t have believed that this group were idle for six weeks.

Donegal dominated the Ulster championship, averaging over four goals per game. And they made the perfect start when Sara Thomas landed a point. Galway’s breakthrough arrived with a stroke of luck when Isabelle Murray picked out O’Malley on the right. The Tribeswomen’s scorer-in-chief kicked for the posts. However, the dropping ball resulted in keeper Ellie McGarvey fumbling it over the line.

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Katie Slattery set up Saoirse Murray to make it 1-1 to 0-1 on four minutes. Donegal replied through Aisling O’Neill, who was the main go-to player in the first period but having tasted the target, O’Malley stamped her imprint all over this final. Sarah Banks was provider for a point out right before the resulting kick out on 10 minutes fell into O’Malley’s lap. Last year’s minor captain had one thing in mind, getting goal number two and another free 60 seconds later made it 2-3 to 0-2.

Donegal dropped players back to deal with the forwards that also included the industrious Aisling Murray and Heneghan. The Tir Conaill women were depending on frees with Ward opening her account on the quarter hour. Fletcher also found Ryan hard to pass with a chance.

Thomas was foiled by Seoighe but beforehand, Banek nearly provided those in attendance with a Messi style World Cup moment. After Isabelle Murray and Slattery created the chance, the Oughterard midfielder weaved through multiple defenders but opted to kick over the bar.

Galway were 2-4 to 0-3 up on 19 minutes and put double digits between them three minutes later. Isabelle Murray passed into Aoibhinn Madden who sent play in towards the square where Heneghan and McGarvey collided. The Galway attacker stayed on her feet and kicked into the net.

A Ward free left it 3-4 to 0-4 at half-time but Galway missed two chances to wrap this up. Heneghan won a penalty, but O’Malley’s shot was saved by McGarvey. O’Malley also saw another low strike go wide but restarted after the break by registering a free.

Both teams were down to 14 players with Galway’s Isabelle Murray getting her third tick before the interval. Donegal’s Alanna Boyle was sent for rest seven minutes previously. Thomas fired a shot at goal, but Keeva Reynolds deflected that over.

Another strike from the Four Masters forward couldn’t find a way past Seoighe but Donegal’s persistence was eventually rewarded. Thomas again forced a save from Ryan that cannoned off the crossbar. Fletcher was waiting for the rebound for Donegal’s goal on 36 minutes.At just 3-5 to 1-5 with 15 minutes remaining, the contest was alive and the next scores were crucial.

They went Galway’s way as on two occasions, Saoirse Murray took control, sent a pass into attack and O’Malley raised two white flags.Donegal substitute Chloe Costello countered but Ryan touched her shot over the bar before O’Malley’s free made it 3-8 to 1-6 with four minutes remaining. Fletcher reduced arrears and Donegal were given a glimmer of hope when Ruby Quinn was sinbinned for a high challenge.O’Malley landed a free, but Donegal had one last throw of the dice.

Again, it was Thomas seeking that elusive goal. This time McCabe said no! And to compound matters for the Ulster champions, their captain Tara Rose Mahon was yellow carded before the finish.Galway rounded out their total with scores from O’Malley and Slattery.

Fletcher got a Donegal two-pointer to complete their account. But this was Galway’s day, one they mainly controlled from the first goal.Ryan in goal; Seoighe, Reynolds, McCabe, Saoirse Murray, Banek, O’Malley and Heneghan were Galway’s top performers.

Galway: E Ryan; K Reynolds, L Seoighe, S Coleman; R Quinn, C McCabe, A Madden; K Banek (0-1), S Murray (0-1); I Murray, S Banks, K Slattery (0-1); A Murray, A O’Malley (2-8, 5f), A Heneghan (1-0).

Subs used: R Noone for Heneghan (36), S Melia for Banks (49), Z Rather for S Murray (54), A Nash for I Murray (59), G Farragher for Reynolds (60).

Donegal: E McGarvey; N Devlin, R Doherty, S Ryan; M Diver, TR Mahon, R McLaughlin; L Ward (0-2, 2f), K McMullin; M Ní Ghallachóir, M Brady, A Boyle; C Fletcher (1-3, 1tp), A O’Neill (0-1), S Thomas (0-2).

Subs used: C Costello (0-1) for Ní Ghallachóir (HT), L McKeever for Diver (53), M McAteer for Brady (60), N Walsh for Ryan (60), S Doherty for Boyle (60).

Referee: P McCaughey (Westmeath)