Galway 1-13 Sligo 0-12:Galway booked their place in the Connacht Senior Football Championship final where they will face rivals Mayo after a closely contested victory over Sligo at Markievicz Park this afternoon.
Sean Armstrong was Galway’s hero as his late goal sealed the victory. Both sides had been level heading into stoppage time, but Joe Bergin pointed before Armstrong made sure there would be no replay.
Galway raced into a 0-5 to 0-1 lead with scores from Padraic Joyce, Armstrong and wing back Gareth Bradshaw.
Michael Meehan’s only point in the first period came from a free while Cormac Bane got in on the act to increase Galway’s advantage to 0-8 to 0-2 before Sligo found another gear.
Mark Breheny scored a couple of points while defenders Ross Donovan and Jonathan Davey both picked off points from the right wing to reduce the deficit to 0-08 to 0-06 at the interval.
Sligo started the second half well and made it a point game when David Kelly converted a 45.
Adrian Marren brought the two sides level before Sligo were reduced to 14 men as centre back Neil Ewing picked up a second yellow card.
In a physical encounter Galway were reduced to 14 when midfielder Garry O’Donnell was handed a straight red card.
Substitute Stephen Coen brought the sides level midway through the half but Galway pulled away with further points from Joyce.
Kelly landed a couple of frees to equalise as the game looked set for a draw However, the Tribesmen dug deep as Bergin slotted home before Joyce turned over possession to send Armstrong in for the crucial goal.
Sligo: P Greene, C Harrison, N McGuire, R Donovan (0-1), M McNamara, N Ewing, J Davey (0-1), T Taylor, E Mullen, E O'Hara, A Costello, S Davey (0-1), D Kelly (0-4, 2f 1 '45'), M Breheny (0-2, 2f), A Marren (0-2, 2f).
Subs: K Sweeney for S Davey (31), P McGovern for Harrison (h-t), S Coen (0-1)for Marren (53),
Galway: A Faherty, D Burke, F Hanley, N Coyne, G Bradshaw (0-1), D Blake, D Meehan, P Conway, G O'Donnell, C Bane (0-1), P Joyce (0-3), J Bergin (0-1), S Armstrong (1-3), M Meehan (0-4, 2f), M Clancy.
Subs: JJ Greaney for Clancy 915), N Coleman for Bane (h-t)m G Sice fo D Meehan (43), B Cullinane for Bane (56), K Fitzgerald for Hanley (61)
Referee: D Fahy (Longford)