GALWAY were pushed all the way by 13-man New York in a physical encounter at Gaelic Park but the biggest shock in decades was prevented by a vintage display from Páraic Joyce.

New York 0-4 Galway 1-18

SECOND quarter goals from Patrick Harte and debutant Aidan O’Shea were the catalyst for victory as Mayo withstood a determined New York start to earn an impressive 15-point win in the opening game of the 2009 GAA Connacht Senior Football Championship.

Mayo 2-19 New York 0-10