Galway beat Cork and next play Waterford
N.H.L. last Sunday, at Páirc UàChaoimh: Galway 2-17 Cork 2-13. It was a first defeat for Cork and an unlikely win for the visitors who trailed by eight points at one stage of a wind-assisted first half, but they showed courage in a magnificent fightback. The game came to life once Galway jumped in front for the first time, after Cork goalkeeper and captain Dónal Óg Cusack was blocked by Joseph Cooney and Damien Hayes lashed in a much-needed Galway goal. It gave them a 1-12 to 1-11 advantage, though it didn't last long because Cork grabbed their second goal two minutes later, Paudie O'Sullivan crossing from the right for midfielder Lorcan McLoughlin to ghost in unmarked and score. Galway responded brilliantly with midfielder Andy Smith and ace marksman Niall Burke reclaiming the lead with points, though Cork's dynamic young Conor Lehane brought his side level twice. Galway then stunned the big crowd with a sensational late winning goal. Cooney was again involved, setting up Niall Burke, whose first-time pull was unstoppable and he then sealed a rousing victory with a point in injury-time. Galway: J Skehill; D Connolly, D Collins, G O'Halloran; N Donoghue, F Moore (captain), J Coen; D Burke (0-2), A Smith (0-2); C Cooney, N Burke (1-10, 0-7 frees), I Tannian (0-1); D Hayes (1-1), J Regan; B Burke. Subs: D Glennon (0-1) for Regan, C Donnellan for C Cooney, both 24 mins; T Haran for Hayes, 67 mins. Cork: D Cusack (captain); S O'Neill, D Cahalane, B Murphy; T Kenny, J Gardiner, W Egan; L McLoughlin (1-0), S Ó hAilpÃÂn; C Lehane (0-5), P Cronin, C Naughton (1-0); P Horgan (0-6, all frees), P O'Sullivan (0-1), J Coughlan (0-1). Subs: D Sweetman for Naughton, 55 mins; M O'Sullivan for Horgan, 61 mins; N McCarthy for Kenny, 63 mins. Referee: James Owens (Wexford).