CORA STAUNTON IS viewed by many as the greatest player in the history of Ladies Gaelic football.
The Mayo ace was in scintillating form against Galway in yesterday’s TG4 Connacht final but despite collecting a massive personal haul of 1-15, including 1-5 from play, she was on the losing side at Elvery’s MacHale Park in Castlebar.
Patricia Gleeson kicked a late winning point for the Tribeswomen to secure a fourth successive provincial title.
Galway ran out narrow 0-21 to 1-17 winners to leave Mayo and Staunton heartbroken once again in the Western showpiece.
At half-time, Galway led by 0-11 to 0-9, with Staunton contributing all of Mayo’s first half scores.
It looked as if Mayo were set for victory down the home straight as Galway’s Emer Flaherty was sin-binned with 14 minutes remaining.
But the beaten Tesco National League finalists, inspired by Roisín and Tracey Leonard, did enough to claim provincial silverware again.
The Leonards combined for nine points between them, with Tracey scoring three or her six points from play.
Annette Clarke was another to impress for Galway with a six-point haul including four frees.
Mayo looked like they were in for a hiding after falling 0-1 to 0-7 behind early on but with Staunton in superb form, they came roaring back.
In the second half, Staunton netted as Mayo hit 1-3 without reply to move three points clear.
But Roisin Leonard kicked an equaliser for Galway to tie the scores at 0-19 to 1-16 approaching full-time.
Staunton edged Mayo back in front but after Tracey Leonard levelled, Gleeson had the final say to leave Mayo facing a back door battle with Tyrone.
