CORA STAUNTON IS viewed by many as the greatest player in the history of Ladies Gaelic football.
The Mayo ace was in scintillating form against Galway in yesterday’s TG4 Connacht final but despite collecting a massive personal haul of 1-15, including 1-5 from play, she was on the losing side at Elvery’s MacHale Park in Castlebar.
Patricia Gleeson kicked a late winning point for the Tribeswomen to secure a fourth successive provincial title.
Galway ran out narrow 0-21 to 1-17 winners to leave Mayo and Staunton heartbroken once again in the Western showpiece.
At half-time, Galway led by 0-11 to 0-9, with Staunton contributing all of Mayo’s first half scores.
It looked as if Mayo were set for victory down the home straight as Galway’s Emer Flaherty was sin-binned with 14 minutes remaining.
But the beaten Tesco National League finalists, inspired by Roisín and Tracey Leonard, did enough to claim provincial silverware again.
The Leonards combined for nine points between them, with Tracey scoring three or her six points from play.
Annette Clarke was another to impress for Galway with a six-point haul including four frees.
Mayo looked like they were in for a hiding after falling 0-1 to 0-7 behind early on but with Staunton in superb form, they came roaring back.
In the second half, Staunton netted as Mayo hit 1-3 without reply to move three points clear.
But Roisin Leonard kicked an equaliser for Galway to tie the scores at 0-19 to 1-16 approaching full-time.
Staunton edged Mayo back in front but after Tracey Leonard levelled, Gleeson had the final say to leave Mayo facing a back door battle with Tyrone.
Free Palestine
@Ailbhe: Free Plasticine.
Willie smallbone number 10.
I hope you score tonight and score plenty in the future.
Good luck lads COYBIG
Since when is Israel in Europe?
Is it due to the fact that most Israelis are of European origin?
@Shedonny: Asian countries refused to play them. They were in Oceania for a while!
@Sam Kendlin Hobbs: UEFA should have refused to admit them also
Cmon lads
That’s a good line up. Hard to see anything other than a positive result tonight
@Gearóid MacEachaidh: bahahahahah useless just all the hyped up championship players in ireland
@Tomas Lyons: grow up, muppet
Ferguson has had a woeful first half hour. He’s a lot better than he’s showing.
@Gearóid MacEachaidh: Good man Ferguson. Does nothing right for an hour then gets a goal. Come on lads!
@Gearóid MacEachaidh: I was thinking same. He was poor and rightfully hooked but took the goal very well.
Just an off day but he has quality.
Connolly Man of the Match.
Kenny Cunningham is meant to be a teetotaller….obviously not
Shalom to Ireland but you lose tonight
@Richarddoherty: they didn’t lose. might be nice to show some support to Ireland
Brilliant Evan.
Get in
Should have been a penalty
Israel 2 1
@jimmy fitz: thats the sport.
@Pauly Kel: it’s just a prediction Paul, don’t take it to heart