MONSTROUS VICTORY

Molloy: Farney fight was do or die and win sets us up for huge Dublin challenge

GALWAY defender Kieran Molloy says their Division 1 clash with Monaghan felt like a Championship game with so much on the line.

The Connacht champions fired three goals past the Farney to record just their second win of the campaign.

Having started Sunday in the bottom two with fears of relegation they are now just a point behind joint second placed Dublin – who they face next.

And if they win their remaining two games, a tall order admittedly against Dublin and Kerry, they’ll expect to reach the Division 1 final.

That would be particularly impressive as they look set to be without 2022 All-stars Shane Walsh, Damien Comer, Cillian Mcdaid and Liam Silke until the Championship.

Molloy (inset) , just back from a cruciate layoff, said it felt like a hugely significant win over Monaghan.

“Massively important,” he said. “We knew coming up that it was a bit of a fortress for Monaghan and we hadn’t had a lot of luck in the league there so it was great to get the win.

“I think on the last four occasions we’ve gone there, we haven’t won in the league. That could be our first league win over them in a good while.

“We were treating it as a Championship game. It was do or die.”

Monaghan beat Galway in a Division 1 relegation playoff when the teams previously played there, in 2021.

Molloy was involved that day and said it was in the players’ minds during Sunday’s rematch three years on.

“We were aware of it alright,” he said. “I know we were leading at half-time in that one as well, in 2021, but Monaghan just came back and brought it to extra-time. They eventually pipped us by a point.”

Injury hit Monaghan couldn’t conjure a miracle this time and are favourites for relegation. Galway have been ravaged by injuries too but the likes of Rory Cunningham, who fired 1-3 against Monaghan on his full league debut, have picked up the slack.

“It’s been tough obviously but it’s a great chance for other lads to put their hands up and to learn,” said Molloy.

Next up for Galway is the date with All-ireland title holders Dublin who are fresh off three wins following opening round losses to Monaghan and Mayo.

“Judging by how they played against Derry and over the last few weekends, it’s going to be a monumental challenge to be fair,” said Molloy. “They’re obviously picking up steam. I know they had a slow start to the league but they’re really getting the train back on the tracks now.”