FARNEY

Magnificent Monaghan demolish Tribe in own back yard to leave Kerry hopes in complete ruins

ULTIMATELY it came down to wanted it more – and that was Monaghan.

Already through to the All-ireland semis, Galway lacked the intensity required to live with opponents who knew that a draw was the minimum required to reach the Championship’s final four for the first time in 30 years.

And that desire, after losing out at this stage in four of the last five years, eclipsed any appetite on Galway’s part to avoid four-in-a-row chasing Dublin next weekend.

Kerry got burned in the crossfire but Tribe boss Kevin Walsh will be concerned about the damage an eight-point loss at home in Salthill will do with only a seven-day turnaround to facing the Dubs in Croke Park next Saturday.

In contrast, last night’s performance was a win-win for Malachy O’rourke and his Farney Army, leading to the pitch invasion that greeted victory.

Even the late dismissals of Drew Wylie and Colin Walshe failed to dampen the celebra- tions – both walked for second yellow cards and won’t miss the semi-final.

The same applies for Galway’s Damien Comer who was sent off with Walshe.

Monaghan supporters came in their droves and completely drowned out the home support in the 15,200 attendance.

And although Galway’s blanket managed to snuff out the threat of visiting dangerman Conor Mcmanus until the 29th minute, there were just too many of his colleagues on form to deal with. Ryan Mcanespie helped himself to four points and the nonstop Darren Hughes a brace.

The biggest roar of the night was reserved for keeper Rory Beggan, who fired over a 62-metre free as the visitors pulled clear in style in the final quarter.

Galway overcame a listless first half display in Roscommon to win the Connacht title earlier in the summer. But they failed to rouse themselves this time, a difficult task with their semi-final place already assured thanks to earlier wins over Kildare and Kerry – and an 11 to five wide count against them didn’t help their cause.

“People are on about avoiding Dublin,” said Beggan. “But we know that we have to beat the best to win the semi-final,

Too many Farney men were on form for Galway to deal with