'It's mad' - Unlikely match-winner Gleeson in dreamland

It's a day to remember for Galway football supporters, but one likely never to be forgotten for unlikely match-winner Connor Gleeson.

With 70 minutes on the clock at Pearse Stadium, Mayo looked set to derail the Tribesmen’ three-in-a-row provincial bid, leading by two points playing with the breeze at their backs.

A Rob Finnerty free reduced the gap to the bare minimum and Gleeson’s decision to push up into Mayo territory again for the kick-out was richly rewarded when he broke Colm Reape’s restart allowing Galway regather possession and equalise with a Shane Walsh free.

Six minutes into the red, Galway were awarded a free just outside the 45 when the Dunmore MacHales man was summoned forward.

Selector John Concannon instructed Gleeson midweek to maintain his free-taking practice, and he duly delivered to the delight of the majority of the crowd in Salthill.

Full-time: Galway 0-16 Mayo 0-15
Goalkeeper Connor Gleeson wins a third Connacht SFC title in a row for Galway with a 76th-minute free