Michael Meehan Bigs Up Role Of Unsung Galway Hero In Securing Dramatic Down Win

Galway have secured their spot in the last eight of the All-Ireland series, defeating Down on a scoreline of 2-26 to 3-21 in Newry this afternoon.

The contest was decided in a thrilling fashion, with the host producing a massive comeback in order to ensure things went right down to the wire. Galway would lead at ten points at halftime in the game, benefitting from a strong wind at their backs to build up a sizeable advantage.

However, Down responded brilliantly after the interval. They would reduce the deficit to five points within the opening few minutes of the second half, with that lead eventually coming down to two points in the final five minutes or so.

Galway would manage to weather the storm, with Tomó Culhane's late goal putting the result beyond all doubt.

While Down would manage to raise another late green flag, it was not enough to get them back into the game.

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This afternoon's game was not short on drama, with five goals and some outstanding long range scores traded between the two teams. While there were plenty of memorable incidents, it was one of the more understated performances that was perhaps crucial to Galway's victory.

Down forward Pat Havern came into this fixture in sensational form, notching 0-27 in his last three championship appearances. However, he would be held scoreless from play this afternoon, with his only contribution come from two one-point frees.

Speaking on GAA+, Michael Meehan praised the understated role that Galway defender Sean Kelly had in getting his team over the line in this game.

We were all talking about Pat Havern, rightly so, and the 0-27 he scored in the last three games.

He was kept to two one-point frees today. I think Sean Kelly was responsible for a lot of that. There was a lot of work going on off the ball just to keep him out of there.

From Galway's point of view, it was very fortunate that he was. There were some massive gains by his teammates, but he would be disappointed that he didn't have more of an influence on the game today.

Limiting Havern in such a manner certainly went a long way towards helping Galway to the victory today, even if Down did produce a sizeable score despite his struggles.

Padraic Joyce will be hoping that Kelly can produce a similar performance next week, with his side set to face an even sterner test in the All-Ireland quarter-finals.