Galway beat Mayo in Connacht Final

Galway are the 2003 Connacht champions after disposing of Mayo by four points at the newly redeveloped Pearse Stadium.

Galway 1-14, Mayo 0-13 (full-time)

Galway took their 42nd Connacht title at Pearse Stadium today, against 14-man Mayo, thanks to match-winning displays from midfielder Joe Bergin, scorer of four points and 1-2 from busy half-forward Matthew Clancy.

A coolly-slotted Clancy goal in first-half injury time, gifted to him by an Aidan Higgins slip, gave Galway the interval lead at 1-7 to 0-5.

Two points inside the first five minutes after the break by Joe Bergin settled Galway once more before a Stephen Carolan goal shot, blocked bravely over the bar by Brian Donohoe.

Conor Mortimer pointed a free and this left a goal between the sides with 20 minutes remaining.

Carolan had blazed a first-half penalty, won by Conor Mortimer, high and wide of Donohoe's posts with his side 0-4 to 0-5 down.

James Gill's right-footed point on 52 minutes left Mayo two points in arrears, before substitute Maurice Sheridan pointed a long range free for a 0-12 to 1-10 deficit on 60 minutes.

U21 goalkeeper Fintan Ruddy kept his side in the hunt two minutes later, saving a Michael Meehan goalbound shot.

Sheridan exchanged points with Declan Meehan on full-time, before Clancy bent over a point from the left touchline on 74 minutes to seal a four-point win.

Fergal Kelly saw red moments earlier, for an elbow on Galway half-back Sean Og De Paor.