It was a very chaotic ending to the Connacht Football Championship final at Pearse Stadium on Sunday as a free from Connor Gleeson deep into injury time gave Galway the 0-16 to 0-15 win over Mayo.
It was a very exciting finish at Pearse Stadium but it was one that divided opinions. Many Mayo fans felt that referee David Gough was wrong to give a free against Tommy Conroy which led to the winning score.
However speaking after the match Mayo manager Kevin McStay refused to take up that sentiment, feeling that Gough wasn't to blame for Mayo's defeat.
Frees at the end…frees at the beginning are worth a point as well
We zone in on the last few minutes but David Gough is the best referee in the country by a mile.
There was two teams out there driving into one another, it was really hard physical stuff. Very difficult match to referee because both teams just so badly wanted to win the cup
The referee had a tough job all day and caught the ire of both Galway and Mayo at times. Speaking on the Sunday Game last night Ciaran Whelan spoke about how a couple of decisions towards the end could've gone differently.
I think Tommy Conroy gets there before John Maher and there's a different view where you think he's going down. The angle probably looks worse there but I think he's early enough there.
The last one and as Kevin said it swings in roundabouts and we had a debate about this, this could've been a free the other way. Does Loftus over carry? But definitely Maher comes in with a hand pulling on his shoulder.
'This could be a free the other way' - Ciaran Whelan and Enda McGinley examine the late calls from David Gough in the dramatic endgame in Salthill
📺 Watch The Sunday Game on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player#TheSundayGame #GAA pic.twitter.com/R9BjCFgV2E— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) May 5, 2024
For Galway now they enter the expected group of death in Group A of the Sam Maguire Cup draw and they'll face the Ulster runner-up, Derry and Westmeath. Mayo will enter Group B where they have the Leinster winner, Roscommon and Cavan.
READ ALSO: Sean Kelly Hails Grieving Galway Hero Connor Gleeson In Rousing Speech After Connacht SFC Win
