Joe Canning saves the day for Galway with late points

Galway 1.14 Limerick 1.12

Two late points from Joe Canning gave Galway a hard fought win over Limerick at Pearse Stadium. The winners played with the wind in the first half and built up a 0-06 to 0-02 lead after 25 minutes, with Cyril Donnellan's effort the pick of the Tribesmen scores. Limerick were sluggish in the opening period and when Joe Canning goaled in the 29th minute to put Galway 1-09 to 0-03 ahead, things looked bleak for the Shannonsiders. However, they gained a measure of composure and points from David Breen and Donal O'Grady just before the break left them six adrift.

Scores were hard to come by in the opening period of the second half with both sides exchanging points with 50 minutes on the clock. However, Limerick were beginning to get a foothold in the encounter and the Galway goal was now living a charmed life. When the visitors were awarded a 21 metre free in the 58 minute, Niall Moran went for goal and the net rattled. The game was there to be won in the closing stages, but Canning's class ensured that Galway took home the points.

Joe Canning takes on the Limerick defence