What a find this man has been for Mayo.
Colm Reape put in a heroic performance in nets to help Mayo beat Galway in the league final and take home the Division One title.
Reape was only brought into the squad this season, and he has been a revelation in goal, and seems to tick every box on the list.
The Knockmore clubman scored three points from dead-ball positions, his kick outs were as precise as they were effective, but more than anything, he did what you expect goalkeepers to do and that’s save shots.
The bravery of Mayo’s new number one was clear to see as he would charge out from goal like a bull to try and win every ball that was coming his way.
In the first half he did this to his own detriment however, when a nasty collision with himself and Johnny Heaney, which resulted in him picking up a yellow card.
The shot stopper didn’t let it deter him however, and he went on to win the Man of the Match award in an important win for the Connacht team.
His biggest moment perhaps came when Damien Comer won a long ball launched in, decided not to take the mark and went direct, beating the first man and looked certain that he was going to bury it.
However the outstretched hands of Reape stopped Comer in his tracks and prevented Galway from taking the lead in the game for the first time.
Aidan O’Shea played a crucial role up front and although he didn’t score he was winning a lot of ball, and driving at the Tribesmen defence, winning a lot of frees in the process.
#MAYVGAL 54 nóim @MayoGAA 0-11@Galway_GAA 0-09
Sábháil iontach ó Colm Reape do Mhaigh Eo 🏐😱
Amazing save for @MayoGAA ❗️
BEO/LIVE ar @TG4TV #AllianzLeague | #GAABEO pic.twitter.com/VBJ6njEQdk
— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) April 2, 2023
Ryan O’Donoghue gladly picked up those spot kicks and slotted them over the bar to help his tally to seven points in the game.
At the other end Mayo were maybe fortunate that Shane Walsh wasn’t his usually clinical self, and missed a few free kick and 45s that we normally see him clip over with ease.
Walsh joined the panel late in the league campaign after taking a break following his successful club year with Kilmacud Crokes, so his sharpness is still catching up.
Mayo don’t have long to enjoy this win however, because they have to play Roscommon next week in the opening round of the Connacht championship.
Related links:
- ‘Sweeper keeper’ tactic costs Roscommon dearly as they concede a howler vs Mayo
- Brian Fenton mistake shows why Dublin need to kick the ball into the forwards more
- Lorcan O’Dell scores goal of the season as Dublin find Derry’s net four times
