GAA Under-21 SF Final - Galway 2-16 Cavan 1-09:Galway were comfortable 2-16 to 1-09 winners over Cavan to claim their fourth All-Ireland under-21 title in the day's curtain-raiser to the NHL Division 1 final at Croke Park.
In a very one-sided game, Cavan quickly came to realise their hopes of a first under-21 title would be put on hold as Galway put 2-07 on the board without reply inside the opening 20 minutes despite Cavan taking an early 0-03 to 0-02 lead.
The young Tribesmen forged further ahead to hold a commanding 2-10 to 0-05 at the break.
Credit to Cavan, however, for they came out in the second period determined to make their mark. That said they missed a penalty four minutes after the restart and Conor McClarey’s goal three minutes from time was of little consolation.
Galway’s opening goal came from full forward Patrick Sweeney’s fist after a couple of efforts hit the crossbar, one after Cavan goalkeeper Alan O’Mara parried a shot.
The second goal came on 20 minutes after Tomás Fahy set up Eric Monahan for an impressive finish.
Cavan had a great chance in the 34th minute after Niall McDermott was fouled in the square. Referee Eddie Kinsella pointed to the spot, but there disappointment as Barry Reilly’s effort was saved by Manus Breathnach.
From there Galway were able to soak up any pressure from Cavan and in the end were comfortable and deserving winners, while Cavan have now lost all three under-21 finals they have contested.
Galway scorers:J Moore 0-2, M Hehir 0-8 (0-5f), C Doherty 0-1, D Cummins 0-4, M Boyle 0-2 (0-1f), P Sweeney 1-0, E Monahan 1-0.
Cavan scorers:N Smith 0-1, B Reilly 0-2 (0-1f), F Flanagan 0-1, N Murray 0-1, J Brady 0-1 (0-1f), N McDermott 0-2, C McClarey 1-0, K Tierney 0-1.
Galway: M Breathnach; G Sweeney, C Forde, A Tierney; J Moore, J Duane, T Fahy; F Ó Curraoin, T Flynn; M Boyle, M Hehir, C Doherty; D Cummins, P Sweeney, E Monaghan. Subs: A Murphy for P Sweeney '32, M Farragher for E Monahan '46, B Flaherty for M Boyle '57, C Halloran for T Fahy '59, C Silke for A Tierney '59.
Cavan: A O'Mara; M Leddy, O Minagh, D Tighe; K Meehan, D Barkey, M Brady; G McKiernan, F Flanagan; N Smith, N Murray, B Reilly; J Brady, N McDermott, P Leddy. Subs: P King for M Leddy '21, T Moore for D Tighe '30, K Tierney for B Reilly '40, N McKiernan for King '50, C McClarey for K Meehan '58.
Referee: E Kinsella (Laois)