Gleeson kicks Galway to dramatic Connacht title

Goalkeeper Connor Gleeson was the hero for Galway as he landed a free in the sixth minute of injury-time from 50 metres into the wind to secure the Connacht SFC title for the third year in a row for the Tribesmen after a gripping final at Pearse Stadium.

Galway came from two points adrift at the start of injury-time to land their 50th Connacht title and complete a three-in-a-row in the province for the first time in 40 years.

Mayo led by 0-07 to 0-05 at the break having played against the wind but while they led by three going into the final quarter, they were unable to close the deal and paid the price as Galway came with a late rally to secure the title in dramatic fashion.

Galway manager Padráic Joyce made two late changes with Cathal Sweeney and Kieran Molloy starting instead of Shane Walsh and John Maher but both of these switches were reversed before the interval.

Mayo manager Kevin McStay was forced to replace injured captain Paddy Durcan, with Eoghan McLaughlin replacing him in the half-back line with Mayo opting to play against the breeze in the opening half.

Galway, with just 34% possession, never managed to get ahead in the opening half, twice drawing level as Mayo set the tone as they built a 0-3 to 0-1 lead after 15 minutes with points from Matthew Ruane, Ryan O'Donoghue and Fergal Boland after Rob Finnerty had responded with a free for Galway after six minutes.

Damien Comer was Galway’s main threat and caused David McBrien plenty of trouble with the Mayo defender picking up a yellow card as he tried to contain the targetman.

Comer pointed and was then fouled for Finnerty to level after 18 minutes with his second free but then Mayo, who onloy converted seven of 15 chances in the opening half, hit three in a row,