Allianz Hurling League Division One Group A

GALWAY 2-18 CORK 1-16

By Cian O’Connell at Pearse Stadium

Ultimately it turned into a satisfying win that was much more about character than class for Galway.

Shane O’Neill’s outfit fell behind in the 50th minute and with Cork backed by the elements in the second period the locals were under duress.

That, though, was when Galway started to answer the questions being posed by Cork with Gearoid McInerney and Shane Cooney two defiant figures for the maroon and white county.

Robbie O’Flynn’s 52nd minute dismissal for a foul on Fintan Burke scarcely aided Cork’s cause and Galway exploited the numerical superiority with the issue delicately poised.

In the closing stages Galway outscored Cork by 1-5 to 0-2 with Brian Concannon’s delightful 55th minute goal proving to be the critical moment.

Despite playing into the teeth of a strong first half wind, Cork were content to only depart trailing by 1-10 to 0-10 at the interval.

That was chiefly due to the efficiency of Kieran Kingston’s charges, who registered 0-10 from 10 attempts.

Galway had plenty of opportunities initially, but the fact that only 1-10 was struck from 20 shots ensured Cork were in a decent position at the turnaround considering the elements.

With Patrick Horgan sharp from frees the teams were deadlocked at 0-4 each by the 17th minute before Galway enjoyed a productive burst.

Aidan Harte, Conor Cooney (free), and Adrian Tuohey nailed points prior to Jason Flynn’s sweet 23rd minute major.

Cathal Mannion, Cooney, and Brian Concannon were all involved in the build up with Flynn eventually rattling the Cork net.

Cork, though, stayed composed reeling off six of the last nine points before the break with Conor Lehane and Bill Cooper landing splendid efforts.

When the action recommenced Cork continued to narrow the deficit and hit the front in the 50th minute as O’Mahony netted.

O’Flynn’s red card followed shortly after and Galway subsequently pounced for a goal with Conor Cooney’s inviting delivery gathered by Concannon, who mined a goal.

From then until the finish Cork could only muster a couple of Horgan frees, while Galway finished smartly.

Substitute Evan Niland rifled over two frees and the returning David Burke sealed the deal with a trademark injury time point which was saluted by a throaty western roar. Galway gleaned the spoils.

Scorers for Galway: Brian Concannon 1-2, Cathal Mannion 0-5 (4fs), Jason Flynn 1-1, Conor Cooney 0-3 (2fs), Niall Burke and Evan Niland (2fs) 0-2 each, Aidan Harte, Adrian Tuohey, and Aidan Harte 0-1 each.

Scorers for Cork: Patrick Horgan 0-9 (9fs), Tim O’Mahony 1-1 (1 sideline), Shane Kingston 0-2, Aidan Walsh, Conor Lehane, Darragh Fitzgibbon, and Bill Cooper 0-1 each.

GALWAY: Eanna Murphy; Darren Morrissey, Gearoid McInerney, Seán Loftus; Pádraic Mannion, Shane Cooney, Fintan Burke; Aidan Harte, Cathal Mannion; Jason Flynn, Niall Burke, Adrian Tuohey; Brian Concannon, Conor Whelan, Conor Cooney.

Subs: David Burke for N Burke (39), Seán Linnane for P Mannion (51), Evan Niland for F Burke (57), TJ Brennan for Harte (60), Conor Walsh for Concannon (69).

CORK: Anthony Nash; Niall O’Leary, Eoin Cadogan, Colm Spillane; Bill Cooper, Tim O’Mahony, Sean O’Leary-Hayes; Mark Coleman, Darragh Fitzgibbon; Robbie O’Flynn, Seamus Harnedy, Aidan Walsh; Conor Lehane, Shane Kingston, Patrick Horgan.

Subs: Conor Cahalane for Walsh (HT), Jack O’Connor for Lehane (70+1).

REFEREE: Fergal Horgan (Tipperary).