Galway and Cork to meet in under-21 final

Galway and Cork will meet in the All-Ireland under-21 football final after wins over Kildare and Cavan, respectively, at O'Connor Park in Tullamore this afternoon.

The young Tribesmen were first to book their place with a convincing win over the Leinster champions.

Galway were more clinical in the first half and took a three-point lead in at the break, after Tom Flynn's 11th minute goal and points from Shane Walsh left the Lilywhites trailing, despite Daniel Flynn hitting the net.

After the break, Walsh continued to the exert his influence and ended the game with six points, three from play. Galway maintained their three-score advantage before Seán Moran hit the net 14 minutes from time to turn the screw on Kildare.

Again, the favourites responded through a fisted goal from Seán Hurley, but Galway and Walsh maintained their momentum to book a final berth.

Cork survived a late Cavan fightback to win by a point in the later game.

The Rebels were two ahead at the break (0-7 to 0-5) after scoring contributions from Luke Connolly, Brian O’Driscoll, Dan MacEoin, and Damien Cahalane.

They wre quickly into their stride after the restart, with points from MacEoin, Brian Hurley and Mark Sugrue, and with six in it the writing looked to be on the wall for Cavan.

However, a 54th minute goal for the Ulster champions from Chris Conroy sparked a fightback and they drew level with a score from Conor Moynagh.

Cork might have wilted but the unflappable MacEoin stepped up to kick his fourth free of the game and win it for the Munster champions.

All-Ireland under-21 football semi-finals

Galway 2-10 Kildare 2-05

Cork 0-15 Cavan 1-11