CONNACHT SFC FINAL/Mayo 2-12 Galway 1-14:Mayo claimed their first victory in 32 years at Pearse Stadium in a thrilling finish as Galway's brave fightback came up just short in a cracking Connacht football decider.
With time ticking down, Mayo were content to hold possession with a three-point lead. They didn’t mind it well enough as Michael Meehan stole breaking ball before driving home a left-footed shot to the back and the net as the Salthill jinx looked set to continue.
There was still time on the clock and Peader Gardiner slotted over from 25 yards out on the right with the last kick of the match sailed to send the travelling supporters wild.
It earned Mayo a 42d Nestor Cup and also buried the hoodoo as they won their first game at Pearse Park since 1967. It was only their second win at the ground in senior inter-county matches.
Mayo started brilliantly with points from David Heany and Aiden Kilcoyne, but two Nicky Joyce brought the Tribesmen level after ten minutes.
The key score of the first half came on 21 minutes when Barry Moran got on the end of a Ronan McGarrity punt to fist home to the net.
With all six forwards getting on the scoresheet, Mayo increased their advantage to five points by the break (1-9 to 0-7).
John O’Mahony’s side were poor after the restart and a point from Michael Meehan just before the hour mark reduced their lead to three.
Half-time substitute Conor Mortimer then made a vital contribution to Mayo’s day, with a point followed soon after by a goal when he fisted home after brother Trevor set him up beautifully.
Back came Galway, aided by Mayo’s defensive approach, and the signs were there long before Meehan struck to the net in the second minute of injury time. But Gardiner would have the last say in a thrilling finale.
Man of the match Trevor Mortimer was unhappy the way his side let Galway back into the game after they dominated for so long.
“We’re relieved in one way, we were leading all the way through but there was a few mistakes towards the end where we lost the run of ourselves I felt. We gave them primary possession and they started picking off a few scores. I thought we should have closed the game off earlier,” he said.