Soccer takes back seat with Slevin central to Galway cause

Kate Slevin of Galway in action against Abbie O'Mahony of Cork during the Lidl Ladies National Football League Division 1 final match between Cork and Galway at TUS Gaelic Grounds, Limerick. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

Kate Slevin says turning potential into prizes is the big challenge for an ultra talented Galway team.

The Lidl National League finalists have been installed as favourites to capture the TG4 All-Ireland title, matching their one and only success from 2004.

It's a gifted crew that manager Daniel Moynihan has assembled, containing several Kilkerrin-Clonberne players who won a fifth consecutive AIB All-Ireland club title last winter.

Throw in the experience gained from the 2024 TG4 decider, when Galway lost to Kerry, and you have a group that may be ready to capture the Brendan Martin Cup.

Slevin's involvement is significant too having put her pursuit of success with Galway this season ahead of a soccer career with Athlone Town.

"We talk a lot about the Kilkerrin-Clonberne players, and what they've done with their club is amazing," said attacker Slevin. "I think they would feel as well, we all want to win with Galway. We have a good group going for the last few years and we really, really want to get over the line this year and just stop all this potential talk. We really want to win, there's no sugarcoating it."

Galway have arguably been the team of the year so far, reaching the League decider and then retaining the Connacht title. After that, they inflicted big TG4 All-Ireland series defeats on Meath, Tyrone and Mayo, racking up an average of 0-28 per game.

Slevin has been central to Galway's strong form, scoring 1-5 in their TG4 All-Ireland quarter-final defeat of neighbours Mayo.

The two teams were tied at half time in that game but Galway went on to win by 17 points.

"I think that actually came from when we played Mayo in the Connacht final," said Slevin of the powerful second half display. "We weren't happy with our second half in that earlier game at all. That was definitely in the back of our heads coming into the last day, to finish strongly if we could."

Slevin drilled a two-pointer at one stage during the onslaught. Much earlier in the year, she curled over a two-pointer in Round 1 of the League, the first day of the new rules.

"I've got two two-pointers, I think as a team we've scored four or five," said Slevin. "If the chance comes up, you're obviously going to take it. I think we definitely have a few on our team that will go for it, but so do all the other teams."

Galway and Armagh will meet at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park on Saturday afternoon, a couple of hours before Athlone Town are scheduled to host Bohemians.

In only slightly different circumstances, Claregalway's Slevin could be heading to the other midlands venue to play for the Women's Premier Division holders, and league leaders.

"I went back last year when the Gaelic season finished and signed back with Athlone for the rest of the season," said Slevin. "And I loved it, absolutely adored it. It was a high level as well, playing in Europe and stuff.

"I decided to step away this year. I don't know what could happen at the end of this year, we'll see. I'd love to do both at the same time but for me, it feels impossible. Just with all the training and trying to balance it all."

The sacrifice will be worth it if Galway can get back to TG4 All-Ireland final day, and potentially beyond.

"Armagh are a quality team," cautioned Slevin. "They've some of the best individual footballers in the country. All over the pitch, going back to their half-back line, midfield, they have serious threats all over. But, you know, so do we. I think it's going to be a bit of a shoot-out on Saturday."