Last-gasp Rob Finnerty goal breaks Sligo hearts as Galway squeeze through

Robert Finnerty broke Sligo hearts as the full-forward's palmed goal in second-half stoppage time sent holders Galway through to the Connacht decider.

The game’s only goal, which left two points between the sides, 1-13 to 0-14, was created by Damien Comer, Galway’s super sub who was needed to pull this game from the fire as Sligo, excellent for most of this well-contested semi-final, looked good value for a big win.

Galway, clear favourites for this tie, was looking to secure a ninth successive provincial final appearance, with Sligo aiming for a shock result that would earn a second consecutive Connacht final for the first time in their history as well as a place in the Sam Maguire Cup.

But the weight of history was certainly against Sligo – their previous defeat of Galway in the championship was 12 years ago and their most recent clash with Galway was a 14-point loss in last year’s provincial final.

Sligo tore up the script in the opening 21 minutes as they led 0-05 to 0-01.

In gloriously sunny conditions, the hosts tore into Galway and were threatening in possession as Patrick O’Connor, who scored 0-03 in that first half, was excellent.

Galway took a while to settle and they didn’t open their account until the 13th minute when Shane Walsh pointed.

Galway’s best phase delivered three points without reply as they went from four down to one down, 0-05 to 0-04, by the 23rd minute – Dylan McHugh, Johnny Heaney and Robert Finnerty were the scores during this purple patch.

But Sligo didn’t allow Galway to draw level and good points from Patrick O’Connor and Alan McLoughlin ensured there would be a three-point gap in Sligo’s favour at the break, 0-09 to 0-06.

Sligo, however, were fortunate that Galway missed a series of goal chances –