Lazarus Is From Galway

Galway 0-10 Armagh 0-8

By Denis O'Brien

Galway came back from the dead in this NHL tie at Pearse Stadium on Sunday last as they put in a storming second half display to pip Armagh at the post.

The maroon and white looked a ragged and well-beaten side in the first half as Armagh ran through their defensive lines and made scoring look easy. By the short whistle the scoreboard said that Galway were in arrears by six with nothing, and I mean nothing to show for after 35 minutes of wistful play.

Whatever was said to them at half-time worked the proverbial miracle as they came out fired-up. Veteran Padraic Joyce, just back from along break due to injury, started to gain a foothold in the midfield area and he got things going with a free and followed that a minute later with an inspirational point to leave four between the sides.

Armagh pointed six minutes later through a Peadar Toal free but then Galway showed a spirit that has been lacking in the team these past few seasons as they fought for every ball with tenacity and heart and began to dominate possession and shot four unanswered points, with Joyce and his brother Nickie the main culprits.

Galway were only one point adrift with a little over a quarter remaining.

Armagh upped the tempo themselves and nearly had a goal when an effort hit the post and looked to have another goal opportunity but the in-rushing Cormac Bane's pile-driver flew over the bar instead.

However, it would be all Galway to the finish line as they shot four points without reply with Joyce hitting a further two (1fr), the other a glorious 70th minute effort from the middle of the field.

It ended Galway 0-10 to Armagh's 0-8, and this brilliant Galway resurrection could be a catalyst for greater things to come down the road.

GAA Round -Up

Dr.Croke's beat Moorefield on Sunday to advance to meet Crossmaglen in the AIB Football club final. Kildare's Moorefield shaded matters when leading by a point in the early going but good set-up work by Kerry star Colm Cooper picked out Mick Moloney and he blasted home from close range to give Kerry the lead. Moorfield though were up to the challenge and only trailed by a point at the break.

Moorefield continued to press on but for the most part the Kerry county champions defense held solid even though Moorefield did manage to level matters midway through the 2nd period. But Dr. Crokes pushed again and were leading by three on a scoreline of 1-08 to 0-8 when nearing the end, Eoin Brosnan raced through from midfield to bury the ball in the back of the Kildaremen's net and dash Moorfield's dreams of glory for good.

Cork were simply too good for Tyrone in the 3rd Round of the NFL last Saturday night in Cork, as they produced an exhibition of point taking from play to take the honors and hand Tyrone, who looked flat on the night, their first defeat of the young season. James Masters for Cork was excellent as were his colleagues in the forward line who shot over from all angles. Tyrone's lead attacker, Owen Mulligan was sent off with a straight red for what looked like a punch, and this didn't help the northern men's cause. This is Cork's first win of the league to date and the merit of their victory over high flying Tyrone is a big boost to confidence.

Also to see a straight red was Kerry's Football Player of the Year, Kieran Donaghy, in his sides win over Fermanagh. Donegal meanwhile sent one and all a message when beating Dublin by 4 points at Ballyshannon.

Meanwhile, Cavan continued their winning ways with a win over Tipp while Meath also showing well so far, accounted for Sligo. Mayo returned to winning ways with a victory over Limerick.

Laois and Louth battled to a draw as did Longford and Offaly, while Westmeath saw off Down by a brace. Kildare hearts rejoiced to see their side beat Derry by three points, some consolation for Moorfield's club semi-final loss.

In hurling All-Ireland champions Kilkenny, recovered from last week's surprise NHL draw with Dublin, to collect their first silverware of the new season when beating rivals Wexford by 1-13 to 0-10 in the Walsh Cup final.