Galway march on

CONDITIONS could hardly have been any more challenging at Pearse Stadium but for the second time inside a week, Galway’s footballers took care of business against northern opposition and have stretched their championship season into August. In the end, a six-point win over Derry on Saturday was as hard-earned as it was deserved and didn’t arrive without its controversy.
Ulster finalists Donegal will be their next opponents on Saturday, August 1 at Croke Park (throw-in 6 o’clock), a Round 4B qualifier that will be preceded by Tyrone’s meeting with Sligo.
Seven converted frees from Gary Sice and a late Danny Cummins goal were the key scoring contributions in another important victory in Galway manager Kevin Walsh’s first season at the helm. After a slow start, they recovered to lead 0-8 to 0-5 at the break and although Derry reduced the deficit to one when backed by the elements in the second half, the winners pulled clear before Cummins’ strike sealed the deal in front of the 4,600 hardy souls that braved the incessant Salthill rain.