Galway edge Kerry to claim All-Ireland title after dramatic finish
Galway's Kate Geraghty lifts the Brendan Martin Cup. Pic: Ben Brady/Inpho
Leanne Coen netted twice and Eva Noone struck what proved to be the match-winning point as Galway secured a dramatic TG4 All-Ireland ladies SFC title success.
Coen's second goal in the 54th minute was a vital score, leaving Galway one up at that stage, but it was Noone's point three minutes later that ultimately separated the sides at Croke Park.
The real intrigue came at the death, however, as with just 20 seconds or so remaining, and trailing by a point, Kerry captain Síofra O'Shea dropped a two-point attempt from a free short and the ball ended up in the net.
It came off a Galway defender and a number of the Kerry players, including O'Shea, wheeled away in delight, presuming they'd repeated their 2024 final defeat of Galway.
But a record 13th title for Kerry was denied by a square-ball infringement with referee Margaret Farrelly explaining to O'Shea after full time exactly why the goal didn't stand.
It was a memorable ending to a game that didn't quite live up to expectations with a stiff wind, and Galway's cautious approach ensuring a low-scoring encounter.
But Daniel Moynihan's Tribeswomen won't care a jot about what it all looked like as they secured the county's first title since 2004.
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It was revenge for their 2024 final loss and capped a great season that saw them also capture the Connacht title and contest the Lidl National League Division 1 final.
But it's desolation for Kerry's ladies who ultimately experienced that same sinking feeling as their male counterparts against Mayo on the same pitch a week earlier.
Galway had the significant wind advantage in the first half so while they were on level terms at half time, 1-4 to 0-7, they probably felt they needed to be at least three or four points to the good.
They kicked themselves for wasteful play through the opening 30 minutes with four wides and four more point attempts that dropped short.
Róisín Leonard had a shot at goal in the 15th minute also that was well blocked by Emma Costello.
But Coen did power through for a brilliant 15th minute goal that kept them right in the game.
The Corofin number 14 took off on a stunning solo run, eventually dodging beyond the last two Kerry players and slipping an outside of the right foot shot beyond Mary Ellen Bolger.
Galway's attacks were swift and easy on the eye as they sought to exploit space in the Kerry defence whereas Kerry seemed happier to try to create scores from slow attacks.
That was a useful tactic from Kerry's perspective because while they often had to be patient and hold onto the ball for long periods at a time, it denied wind-assisted Kerry vital possession.
The Divilly sisters, Niamh, wearing number seven, and Siobhán, lined out at midfield for Galway though Siobhán operated as a sweeper for the entire game.
Kerry skipper and player of the year contender O'Shea was tracked by Brónagh Quinn with Galway captain Kate Geraghty keeping tabls on Jadyn Lucey. Kingdom full-forward Danielle O'Leary was marked by Saragh Ní Loingsigh.
O'Shea was held scoreless until the 52nd minute but did convert three first-half frees, one of which she won herself.
Nicola Ward, named player of the year in 2024, held the number six position again for Galway and launched a couple of typical raids forward, one of them creating the goal chance for Leonard.
But it wasn't a game that ever truly burst into life with just two more scores, a point each, traded in the entire third quarter.
The Galway score, a third of the afternoon for Olivia Divilly in the 42nd minute, was their first in 22 minutes as they struggled to get the ball in quickly enough to break down Kerry's defence.
It at least made for a compelling final 15 minutes with the scores tied at 1-5 to 0-8.
Nicola Ward burst forward to create another goal chance with 12 minutes to go, feeding sister Louise Ward but her shot was blocked by Costello. The loose ball fell to Kate Slevin but her shot was saved by goalkeeper Mary Ellen Bolger for a 45.
The end result was a vital Róisín Leonard point for Galway when her 45 dropped short and was recycled back to her for a well-taken score.
Leading by 1-6 to 0-8, Galway coughed up the next three points and looked to be in real bother as Ní Chonchúir and O'Shea came alive with Kerry scores, all from play.
But just as Kerry appeared to have stole the momentum, Coen slammed in her second goal, fed again by Nicola Ward.
Caoimhe Evans tied it up with a Kerry point before Noone slotted over what proved to be the winning point with three minutes remaining.
The drama, of course, was only just beginning and Kerry initially thought they'd stole victory at the death through O'Shea but their hopes were dashed by the square ball ruling.
Leanne Coen 2-0, Olivia Divilly 0-3 (0-1f), Kate Slevin 0-1, Kate Thompson 0-1, Róisín Leonard 0-1, Eva Noone 0-1.
Síofra O'Shea 0-5 (0-3f), Niamh Ní Chonchúir 0-3, Niamh Carmody 0-1, Jadyn Lucey 0-1, Emma Costello 0-1, Caoimhe Evans 0-1.
Leah O'Halloran; Brónagh Quinn, Sarah Ní Loingsigh, Kate Geraghty; Hannah Noone, Nicola Ward, Louise Ward; Niamh Divilly, Siobhán Divilly; Eva Noone, Kate Slevin, Kate Thompson; Olivia Divilly, Leanne Coen, Róisín Leonard.
Shauna Hynes for Thompson 51, Ellen Power for Siobhán Divilly 56. Andrew Trill for Leonard 57.
Mary Ellen Bolger; Eilís Lynch, Deirdre Kearney, Aoife Dillane; Aishling O'Connell, Niamh Carmody, Róisín Rahilly; Emma Costello, Mary O'Connell; Mikala Mulvihill, Niamh Ní Chonchúir, Caoimhe Evans; Jadyn Lucey, Danielle O'Leary, Síofra O'Shea.
Leah McMahon for Mulvihill 43, Erica McGlynn for Lucey 51, Rachel Dwyer for O'Leary 57.
Margaret Farrelly (Cavan).
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