A poor second-half performance from Viney Corey’s men saw Galway run out 1-13 to 10 points winners in Salthill, writes Jack Gannon.
It was Galway who opened the scoring before Sean Jones would see Monaghan go a point up after eight minutes.
The sides traded the next five points. Conor McCarthy and Rory Beggan were on target for Monaghan. This would see Monaghan trail the host’s five points to four.
Robert Finnerty’s point in the 28th minute moved Galway two points to the good. Monaghan would reply with two points in as many minutes to see the side’s level at six points apiece after 31 minutes.
Galway went a point up yet again just before Micheal Bannigan got his first score of the game to bring the game level.
Peter Cooke who saw red for Galway after an off the ball incident with Micheal Bannigan. Rory Beggan converted the resulting free on 38 minutes to see Monaghan lead Galway seven points to eight at half-time.
Rory Beggan started the second-half like he ended the first with another point from a free just two minutes after the restart.
Galway responded with three scores without reply, giving them a one point advantage after 52 minutes. Rory Beggan levelled the sides three minutes later however this would be Monaghans last score of the game as they struggled against the wind.
A Galway double in two minutes would subsequently give them a 12 to 10 point lead after 58 minutes.
All hope for a Monaghan comeback was lost as Johnny Heaney capitalised on a mix-up from the Monaghan defence as he put his side five points to the good eight minutes from normal time.
Matthew Tierney wrapped up an impressive individual display with the games last point after 66 minutes. It certainly will be an afternoon to forget for Monaghan after a great first half performance.
