Galway were 2-15 to 0-11 down at one stage and staring at a heavy defeat but they drove one relentlessly and in the maelstrom unsettled a dominant Mayo. Second half goals from newcomer Darragh Beirne and substitute Cian McHale gave Mayo leeway after Aidan O'Shea first half goal had helped them to a 1-12 to 0-9 interval lead. But Fionn McDonagh, impressive on his debut, and another debutant Shane McGrath hit back with goals to give Galway hope. Hennelly's recall was justified with a series of fine saves and three converted two-point frees, one from 60 metres in the first half. Galway were without Matthew Tierney, Cein D'Arcy, Cillian McDaid, John Maher, Damien Comer and Cillian McDaid while Shane Walsh only came off the bench so there is scope for improvement with the return of personnel alone in the weeks ahead.

Source: Irish Independent January 25, 2026 14:41 UTC