Sport

Galway under-21s too strong for Cork

IN A game played in continuous heavy rain at Cusack Park in Ennis last evening, Galway fully deserved their victory over Cork…

Mon Aug 19 1996 - 01:00

IN A game played in continuous heavy rain at Cusack Park in Ennis last evening, Galway fully deserved their victory over Cork in the All Ireland under 21 hurling semi final. Galway will play Wexford in the final.

Galway were in control right from the start and after just 20 minutes they had opened a seven point lead. In fact, at this stage many patrons in the crowd of over 8,000 must have wondered how much Galway were going to win by, such was their dominance.

Five minutes before the interval Cork captain Sean McGrath gave his side a lifeline with a good goal. But within five minutes Galway's top scorer, Darragh Coen, who had an outstanding game, had the ball in the back of the Cork net to leave his side 1-9 to 1-2 in front at half time.

Helped by a series of changes, both positional and personnel, Cork came much more into the game in the third quarter, and with 13 minutes remaining they had cut Galway's lead to just three points. However, Galway finished strongly and two points from Coen sealed victory and a place in the final against Wexford.

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Outstanding for the winners were Cathal Moore, Gregory Kennedy, Peter Huban, Gordon Glynn and the Coen. Cork had their best players in goalkeeper Donal Og Cusack, John Browne,

. There was some consolation for Kerry football when their under 21 side made it to the All Ireland decider with a 3-9 to 0-12 victory over Galway at Ennis on Saturday night.

The sides went in level at halftime and with just seven minutes remaining, Galway deservedly led by two points. However, an unfortunate own goal turned the game in Kerry's favour. The ball deflected off Galway corner back Niall Fahey past his goalkeeper Ollie Turner to the corner of the net.

Once Kerry had their nose in front they scented victory and added 1-2 in the next four minutes to kill off the Galway challenge.

. Dicksboro were in overdrive from the word go and they powered past Graigue/Ballycallan to claim their second Kilkenny senior hurling league title in convincing fashion at Nolan Park yesterday evening, winning by 3-13 to 0-7.

First half goals from Stephen Kennedy, John Treacy, Martin Hanrick helped the winners into a commanding 3-8 to 0-3 interval lead after playing with the wind.

. The Mayo senior football final will be contested by neighbours Ballina and Knockmore. County players David Brady and Liam McHale helped Ballina to a 1-10 to 1-7 win over Garrymore, while Knockmore were assisted by former All Star Kevin O'Neill and county forward Ray Dempsey to beat Castlebar.