All-Ireland MHC Quarter-final/Galway 4-7 Antrim 1-14: The latest chapter in the remarkable hurling career of Joe Canning was scripted at Cusack Park, Mullingar on Sunday. With the issue delicately poised Canning nonchalantly flicked home the insurance goal six minutes from time.

Galway struck two clinical goals in the opening period through Aidan Harte and Seán Coen in a three-minute spell midway through the half. Antrim responded and clipped three points as Galway led 2-6 to 0-5 at the interval.

Antrim added five further points in brisk succession after the break as substitute Conor McGourty rifled over the frees. Yet, the champions were unperturbed, and a Harte solo run culminated with Kevin Keehan slamming home from close range.

Canning steered home a goal to put Galway eight clear. A late flurry of Antrim points and a goal from Anton McCaffrey narrowed the deficit to two, but the three in-a-row seeking Galway held on.

GALWAY: J Skehill; J Ryan, M McMahon, L Tully (0-1); M Corcoran, K Keane, A Moylan; G Lally, C Forde; A Harte (1-2), N Lynch, E Forde; S Coen (1-1), K Keehan (1-0), J Canning (1-2, one free). Subs: G Kelly for Lynch 31 mins, D Burke for Corcoran 38 mins, G Hennelly (0-1) for Coen 43 mins, G Burke for Forde 46 mins.

ANTRIM: C O'Connell; A Graffin, C Donnelly, M McFadden; B McFall (0-1), N McManus (0-2, one free), K McKeague; S Burke, R Donnelly (0-1, free); A McCaffrey (1-0), P Dallat (0-1), P Shields (0-2); D Hamill, E McCloskey (0-2), L McKillop. Subs: C McGourty (0-5, frees)for R Donnelly 23 mins, M Dallat for McKeague 27 mins.

Referee: J McGrath (Westmeath).