Sport

Galway under-21s make up rare four-timer

Galway 1-19 Cork 1-13: Galway set up a remarkable quartet of All-Ireland-final appearances when their under-21s smothered Cork…

Mon Aug 29 2005 - 01:00

Galway 1-19 Cork 1-13: Galway set up a remarkable quartet of All-Ireland-final appearances when their under-21s smothered Cork in a low-key game at the Gaelic Grounds.

With their senior, minor and intermediate teams having already booked their places, Vincent Mullins's charges were not going to be denied.

The all-action Tribesmen simply cruised through to a September 18th date with Kilkenny thanks to a devastating performance.

It was the county's third All-Ireland semi-final win over the Leesiders this summer and this latest victory gives them a psychological boost for the senior decider next month.

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The 3,000 fans sat back in anticipation of a mighty tussle when the teams were deadlocked at 0-3 each at the end of the first quarter but thereafter Galway, powered by central defenders Alan Gaynor and Barry Cullinane, took control.

Kerill Wade, Eanna Ryan and Aongus Callanan showed their appreciation of some splendid service to fire them three points in front, and a goal just on half-time from the wily Callanan, after availing of a lengthy clearance by keeper Aidan Ryan, saw them establish a 1-10 to 0-6 lead.

Cork were unable to lift their challenge after the interval. Galway, sensing that their opponents were spent, were content to rifle over points, courtesy of Kenneth Burke, Wade and Joe Gantley, leaving it 1-14 to 0-9 after 45 minutes.

Maurice O'Sullivan tried to keep Cork within touching distance with pointed frees, but Galway replied in each instance.

There wasn't sufficient time for the winners to reply to Michael Cussen's last-minute goal for the Rebels, one that only took the bare look off the scoreboard for the Munster men.

GALWAY: A Ryan; P Flynn, A Gaynor, K Briscoe; G Mahon (0-1), B Cullinane, A Garvey; B Lucas, D Collins; J Gantley (0-3), A Callanan (1-2), E Ryan (0-1); K Burke (0-2), N Healy (0-4), K Wade (0-6, 4 frees). Subs: F Coone for Gaynor, D Kelly for A Ryan (both 58 mins)

CORK: A Nash; P Fitzgerald, D McSweeney, E O'Sullivan; S O'Neill, K Hartnett, S Cronin; B Barry (0-1), E Cadogan; K Canty (0-2), M Naughton (0-3, frees), S O'Sullivan (0-1); M O'Sullivan (0-4, 3 frees), M Cussen (1-1), D Dorris. Subs: PJ Copps for S Cronin 30, C O'Connor (0-1) for Cadogan 30, D Cronin for S O'Sullivan 45

Referee: B Gavin (Offaly)