Allianz Hurling League Division 1A

Cork 2-20 Galway 1-21

By Cian O’Connell at Pearse Stadium

Ultimately, this proved to be a satisfactory trip to Salthill for Cork.

Skill and style were illustrated when Cork cruised to a convincing victory over Waterford six days ago. Steel was demonstrated in the west because Galway were primed for battle. That is precisely what transpired.

Galway had caused Cork plenty of bother in a splendid opening period. The home team, though, weren’t efficient enough when on top.

After the restart Cork assumed control as two late goals from substitute Brian Hayes sealed the deal. Another victory pocketed by Ben O’Connor’s team.

There was plenty to admire about the manner in which a dashing Cork half forward line flourished. Shane Barrett was industrious, clipping six points, Seamus Harnedy finished with four, while Fitzgibbon nailed three, while also supplying two passes for Hayes’ majors.

Those were the most important blows as Galway were ahead by one with nine minutes remaining when Hayes pounced, following Fitzgibbon’s blistering run.

Points from Tim O’Mahony and Alan Connolly (free) followed before Hayes struck again on 65 as Cork edged seven clear.

In the dying embers the promising Aaron Niland reeled off five points on the spin, including one from play, but Cork survived.

Early on Galway were lively. Tom Monaghan’s 11th minute goal, fashioned by Jason Rabbitte nudged them 1-4 to 0-2 clear.

By the end of the first quarter that advantage had been stretched to six, 1-7 to 0-4, but Galway weren’t clinical enough converting opportunities.

Eight of the next 10 points were mined by Cork, ensuring they only departed trailing by the minimum at the break. Galway’s 1-9 arrived from 23 shots, while Cork were that bit slicker with 0-11 from 15.

The Cork burst before the interval was crucial with Barrett and Fitzgibbon influential.

When the action recommenced Cork, aided by the arrival of O’Mahony and Hayes, restricted Galway. Nonetheless, Micheal Donoghue’s improving outfit were very much in the reckoning before Hayes’ rifled two goals.

A repeat of the 2025 All-Ireland SHC Final against Tipperary under SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh Saturday night lights is next on the agenda for Cork.

Scorers for Cork: Brian Hayes 2-0, Shane Barrett 0-6, Seamus Harnedy and Alan Connolly (3fs) 0-4 each, Darragh Fitzgibbon 0-3, Tim O’Mahony, Tommy O’Connell, Brian O’Sullivan 0-1 each.

Scorers for Galway: Cathal Mannion 0-10 (9fs), Aaron Niland 0-5 (4fs), Tom Monaghan 1-0, Gavin Lee 0-3, Darragh Neary, Colm Molloy, and Declan McLaughlin 0-1 each.

Cork: Patrick Collins; Niall O’Leary, Daire O’Leary, Eoin Roche; Eoin Downey, Robert Downey, Mark Coleman; Tommy O’Connell, Brian O’Sullivan; Seamus Harnedy, Shane Barrett, Darragh Fitzgibbon; Brian Roche, Declan Dalton, Alan Connolly.

Subs: Brian Hayes for Roche (HT), Tim O’Mahony for O’Sullivan (HT), Robbie O’Flynn for Dalton (47), Hugh O’Connor for Harnedy (64), Brian Keating for Fitzgibbon (70).

Galway: Darach Fahy; Ronan Glennon, Cillian Trayers, Joshua Ryan; Daniel Loftus, Daithi Burke, Padraic Mannion; Gavin Lee, Tom Monaghan, Darragh Neary, Cathal Mannion, John Fleming; Aaron Niland, Jason Rabbitte, Declan McLaughlin.

Subs: Colm Molloy for Fleming (28), TJ Brennan for Glennon (42), Cianan Fahy for Burke (50), Sean Linnane for Monaghan (58), Cian Daniels for Trayers (65).

Referee: Michael Kennedy (Tipperary).