Mayo snatch semi-final win over Galway

Mayo 1-11 Galway 1-09

Richard Bowles’ young Galway side lost a five-point lead, as the reigning champions Mayo came from behind to snatch an extra-time win at O’Moore Park.

Back by a strong breeze, last season’s Junior All-Ireland winners plundered the spoils in the first half, with full-forward Niamh Fahy poaching 1-1 from a sluggish Mayo defence.

Partnered in attack by the evasive Lorna Joyce (0-1), the Tribeswomen held the ascendancy at the break, 1-4 to 1-0, with Mayo’s sole score a fifth minute penalty from half-back Yvonne Byrne.

Mayo’s bid was revived in the second half as star forward Cora Staunton, wayward with six first-half frees, notched five successes, aided by their first open play score from Christina Heffernan in the 50th minute, to see out normal time at 1-6 apiece.

The Galway charge wilted under the Portlaoise sunshine as extra time brought tired legs and a lack of scoring chances for Bowles’ charges.

Points from Staunton and 1999 captain Diane O’Hora gave Mayo a buffer into the second period of extra time, as Mayo ensured their fifth visit to Croke Park in recent times, for October 5.