Brian Molloy’s late points push Galway past Dublin

Galway 0-21 Dublin 0-19

Tony Ward’s Galway set up a novel Bord Gáis Energy All-Ireland U21 hurling final against Waterford on September 10th as they edged past Dublin by two points in Thurles on Saturday evening.

The Westerners needed extra-time before advancing but a wides tally of 16 will concern them following an error-strewn contest that saw Leinster champions Dublin register 21.

In fairness, it was a poor evening for hurling with a strong wind blowing towards the Town End but Galway made the best of it and had a match-winner in captain Brian Molloy, who collected 10 points.

Molloy hit four of those points in extra-time – including three placed balls in the second period as Galway finally pulled clear in a tie that was level eight times from the 36th minute.

At half-time in normal time, Galway were 0-7 to 0-10 adrift but well in contention having played against the breeze.

Dublin didn’t help themselves by registering nine wides in that opening half and they had nine more after in the second period.

Galway had the better goal chances too, Éanna Burke shooting just over early on before senior star Conor Whelan, who went off with apparent concussion later, forcing Jonathan Treacy into a stunning save approaching half-time, as the Dublin goalkeeper diverted the ball onto the crossbar.

Dublin moved 0-11 to 0-7 clear early in the second half but Galway’s response was impressive as they hit six without reply to turn a four-point deficit into a two-point lead.

Dublin, now operating into the teeth of the wind, showed admirable resolve however and got back level at 0-13 each with points from Cian Boland and Fionn Ó Riain Broin.

They were level thrice more before full-time and in a frantic finish, Galway went ahead twice before Dublin restored parity on both occasions, Cian MacGabhann’s point in the fourth minute of stoppage time ensuring two extra periods of 10 minutes.

At half-time in extra-time, there was still nothing to separate the sides as they were level at 0-18 apiece.

A Molloy 65 opened the scoring in the second period and while Seán Treacy levelled with a Dublin free, Molloy was on target with two frees to send Galway through to the Cross of Cashel showpiece.

GALWAY: C Tuohy; C Jennings, D O'Donoghue, D Cronin; F Burke, S Cooney, S Loftus; D Nevin (0-3, one sl), D Dolan (0-1); K McHugo, B Molloy (0-10, five frees, one 65) É Burke (0-2); T Monaghan (0-3), C Whelan (0-2), C Burke.

Subs: B Concannon for McHugo (40 mins), J Mannion for C Burke (45 mins), E Brannigan for Dolan (53 mins), S Linnane for Whelan (64 mins), J Grealish for Mannion (70 mins), A Morrissey for Monaghan (76 mins).

DUBLIN: J Treacy; C MacGabhann (0-1), E O'Donnell, J Madden (0-1); F O'Riain Broin (0-1), S Barrett (0-1), J Bellew; R McBride (0-3), J Malone; C Boland (0-3), A Jamieson-Murphy (0-2), E Conroy (0-1); S Treacy (0-2, frees), S Ó Riain, C Bennett (0-3, frees).

Subs: P O'Dea for Ó'Riain (44 mins), C O'Neill for Bennett (46 mins), E McHugh (0-1) for Conroy (55 mins), B Bolger for O'Riain Broin (60+1 mins), Ó Riain for Jamieson-Murphy (69 mins), M McCallion for Bolger (70 mins), Bennett for McBride (72 mins).

Referee: D Kirwan (Cork).