A point from play by Niall Shiel (20) three minutes from the end of normal time insured that Abbey-Duniry's hopes of taking the Galway senior hurling championship (for the Tom Callinan memorial cup) stayed alive after they drew with St Mary's, Athenry in a tense final at Kenny Park, Athenry, yesterday.

The best score of the game came after only two minutes when Athenry full-back Gerry Keane conceeded a 20-metre free after veteran full-forward Matty Kenny had been fouled after collecting Kevin Devine's massive puck out. Goalkeeper Devine stepped back and drilled a great shot into the net.

A minute later the lead was extended by centre half-forward Tom Kavanagh, but Athenry, who were trying to secure their fourth title, hit back with a point from their left corner forward Eugene Cloonan.

Their second point came on seven minutes from Eddie Brady and four minutes later right corner-forward Donal Moran kicked his first point to leave Abbey-Duniry a point to the good.

Athenry were awarded a penalty in the 18th minute which Cloonan sent over the bar to level matters. Five minutes later they were given another spot kick and Cloonan tapped over once more.

The sores continued to be swapped back and forth until Shiel insured another day out for both teams and supporters.

Abbey-Duniry: K Devine (1-0), K Finnerty, L Hodgins, V Kavanagh, N Finnerty, J Shiel (capt), D Donnelly, G Lynch, N Shiel (0-1), P J Kenny, T Kavanagh (0-4), Declan `Red' Power, K Broderick, M Kenny (0-1), P J Madden. Sub: M Shiel for Madden (49 mins).

St Mary's, Athenry: M Crimmins, E Keogh, G Keane, J Feeney, B Higgins, B Feeney, P Hardiman, B Keogh, B Hanley, J Rabbitte (capt), P Higgins, E Brady (0-1), D Moran (0-2), P Healy, E Cloonan (0-6). Sub: C Moran for P Healy (51 mins).

Referee: J Cooney (Sarsfields).