Defeat plunges Galway into relegation play-off

Sporting Fingal 3 Galway United 1

Goals from Alan Kirby, Colin Hawkins and Lorcan Fitzgerald kept Sporting Fingal in the hunt for Europa League qualification.

The result, Galway's fourth heavy defeat in a row, consigns Sean Connor's side to the relegation play-off with Bray Wanderers.

Sporting were in front after just three minutes. Ronan Finn controlled Ger O’Brien’s long ball into the Galway area to pull it back for Alan Kirby to sweep home.

No existent defending from Conan Byrne’s corner saw Colin Hawkins power home a header to make it 2-0 on 11 minutes.

Lorcan Fitzgerald added a third goal on 72 minutes when his intended cross went in off the far post.

Stephen Walsh got Galway's consolation goal five minutes from time with a terrific half volley from 25 yards.