Galway secure precious win over All-Ireland champions
It’s not too bad when you can bring on a player like Joe Canning at half-time to inspire you to victory over the All-Ireland Champions. Jason Flynn was doing a fine job at full-forward for the opening 35 minutes as Galway led the league champions by 0-11 to 0-8 in Salthill, but the introduction of the Portumna man changed the game for the home side.
Flynn had scored the majority of the Galway points in the opening half as he and Richie Hogan were involved in their own personal duel. The game was the first for Barry Kelly to referee since he was sharply criticised by Brian Cody after last year’s All Ireland final replay, but he had little to contend with as both sides tried to shoot the lights out.
Kilkenny were unlucky not to get a goal when Jonjo Farrell and John Power both hit the post in the second half but when Hogan was forced off with an injury after the break after hitting 10 points, Cody didn’t have a similar replacement on the bench to his counterpart
Galway sensed a big opportunity and powered home for the win as Canning ended with 0-4 with a glorious sideline cut the highlight.
In Ennis, Clare’s Allianz League woes continued as they lost to Tipperary by 2-19 to 0-20 after a thrilling game in Cusack Park. The visitors resilience was typified by Paraic Maher who wasn’t happy at being subbed off for a blood injury in the moments after James Woodlock’s goal had effectively won the game for last year’s beaten finalists.
The sides were even enough for most of the opening period until Tipperary managed to open up a four point lead before half time thanks to scores from John O’Dwyer as Seamus Callanan and Michael Breen also slotted over to make it 0-13 to 0-9.
Callanan scored six points in the first half alone with Clare’s defence unable to cope with the forward and he was crucial in the second period as Tipperary bossed matters in many areas of the field. Midway through the second half they led by six before Clare reeled them back to three after 45 minutes.
Tipperary however carried a greater goal threat than the home side and Noel McGrath’s goal from 20 metres was hammer blow for Davy Fitzgerald’s side
Clare struck back again and were within a point when Seamus Callanan made a beautiful pass for James Woodlock to strike home from close range with just two minutes to go after once again getting beyond the cover to seal the win.
In Division 1B, Limerick left it late to grab a win over Wexford in their clash in Wexford Park. Sean O’Brien was the hero as they held on for a 4-16 to 3-18 win in a massively entertaining game.
The first half saw Wexford ahead by 3-9 to 2-9 after  green flags were raised by Liam Og McGovern and Jack Guiney. Limerick’s goals came from John Fitzgibbon and Shane Dowling,who saw his ’65 sail all the way to the net.
Wexford will feel especially aggrieved to have lost after they enjoyed a three point advantage with less than five to play before they coughed up a goal to David Breen and then the last gasp chance to O’Brien which he duly converted.
After just over 40 minutes the sides were level at 3-12 each and found themselves all square again after 68 until a Jack Guiney free was cancelled out by Shane Dowling from a placed ball and O’Brien’s effort settled the contest
The other game in Division 1B saw Laois overcome Antrim by 1-18 to 1-14. The win was the first for the Midlanders in this year’s Allianz League campaign and it gives their hopes of avoiding the relegation battle a much needed boost.
Antrim’s goal from Paul Shields saw them trail by 0-11 to 1-5 at the break but the momentum was with the home side in the second half as they drew level after 40 minutes but a crucial goal from paddy Purcell broke their challenge and Laois opened up a three point lead which gave them enough breathing space to hang on for the win despite late pressure from the home side.
In Division 2AÂ Carlow are top of the table after a 1-15 to 1-13 win over Derry in Celtic Park. London beat Wicklow in Arklow by 3-12 to 2-12 while Westmeath had a big win over Kerry in Tralee by 3-18 to 0-12.
