Gaelic Games:Galway stunned Kilkenny to win the first Leinster hurling championship title in their history in front of 22,171 people at Croke Park, running out 2-21 to 2-11 winners of the Bob O'Keeffe Cup.
All-Ireland champions Kilkenny were hotly tipped to retain their Leinster title but Galway produced a stellar first-half display which left Kilkenny 14 points adrift of their opponents at the break.
Kilkenny were restricted to four points in the first half, only one of which came from play. It took 20 minutes for Brian Cody’s charges to get off the mark at which stage Galway had amassed a tally of 1-6.
Joe Canning gave Galway an early advantage when he netted on three minutes and further points from Niall Burke and Cyril Donnellan underlined Galway’s supremacy.
Galway controlled midfield and the accuracy of Canning and Donnellan’s shooting allowed the Tribesmen to build a substantial lead. Things only improved on 23 minutes when David Burke’s measured drive found the Kilkenny net.
Henry Shefflin was able to add points from the dead ball but Galway led 2-12 to 0-4 at half-time.
A second-half Kilkenny onslaught was expected but did not materialise immediately. Cyril Donnellan pointed early for Galway but goals from Richie Hogan and Henry Shefflin on 43 and 48 minutes respectively reduced the deficit to 10 points.
The goals failed to destabilise Galway and Canning’s prowess from the dead ball helped to keep Anthony Cunningahm’s side comfortably in front. Kilkenny were unable to bridge the gap and Galway held on for a historic victory.
Earlier in the day, Corkeased to a Munster football championship victory over Clareat the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick.
Three first-half goals from Fintan Goold, Aidan Walsh and Nicholas Murphy put Cork into a commanding lead. Murphy’s goal was contentious due to suggestions that he palmed the ball into the net after Paul Kerrigan’s fist-pass had already crossed the line. It mattered little as Cork were never truly tested in what was a dour affair in front of just 9,139 spectators.
Clare’s Michael O’Shea and Rory Donnelly scored seven points between them but ultimately the Division Four outfit were no match for the Division One champions as Cork won their first Munster title since 2009.
Antrim'sdominance in Ulster hurling continued with a convincing 3-18 to 0-8 victory over Derry.
Leinster hurling championship final
Galway 2-21 Kilkenny 2-11
Munster football championship final
Cork 3-16 Clare 0-13
Ulster hurling championship final
Antrim 3-18 Derry 0-8