Galway 2-24
Limerick 1-16

FLYING FORM . . . Full-forward Iarla Tannian who was again outstanding as Galway qualified for the semi-finals of the national hurling league with a comprehensive win over Limerick on Sunday. Photo: Reg Gordon

Long-suffering Galway hurling fans have seen enough false dawns during emphatic league campaigns not to get too excited about championship prospects but the optimism is starting to gain momentum.

It has taken a year longer than envisaged but there is no denying Galway are cutting a dash under Ger Loughnane and Limerick found that out at the Gaelic Grounds on Sunday.

For a time it seemed as if Limerick were heading for an embarrassing defeat as an Iarla Tannian goal saw Galway lead by 2-23 to 0-13 after 62 minutes.

And that was after Limerick’s magnificent goalkeeper Dave Bulfin had produced a string of excellent saves — most notably from Fergal Healy — which prevented Galway from running riot.

Loughnane will be grateful for the late Limerick rally which will help keep things in proportion as they advance directly to the semi-finals without losing a game.

And by then Galway will have an even bigger pool to select from with Joe Canning finally taking his place in the county senior squad.

“That gives us three weeks now until the semi-final. In that time we'll get players back like Fergal Moore, Alan Kerins, and the Portumna lads. We'll have all those in contention for a place in the semi-final, and that should make for our strongest possible team.

"The quality of players is there in Galway, and the skill level, and when you put spirit along with that you have to be in contention with all of the big teams. You couldn't ask for things to be going better than they are, but of course the big tests are to come yet."

Loughnane confirmed Joe Canning was one of the six Portumna players invited to join up with the panel next weekend, although his brother Ollie was still undecided about his future.

"Ollie will take more time. He's taking some time, because it is a very bid decision for him, a big chance to take. He has a lot to weigh up. But Kevin Hayes, Damien Hayes, Eoin Lynch, Andy Smith and Joe Canning are all coming back next week," said Loughnane.

Galway decided this encounter with a blistering start to the second-half as they outscored Limerick by 1-6 to 0-1 in a seven-minute spell.

Galway led by 0-13 to 0-7 at the break after outscoring the home side by 0-5 to 0-1 in the closing five minutes of the first-half.

Kerrill Wade got the goal which put Galway on their way after 42 minutes and great work by Aonghus Callanan and Niall Healy.

Ger Farragher had another field day, landing 0-11 including one from about 120 yards.

Iarla Tannian again impressed at full-forward and all over the field Galway were full of running and purpose with Fergal Healy offering a new option on the 40 where his vision was a constant thorn for the stretched home defence.

Tannian crowned a fine display after the impressive Sarsfields midfielder Kevin Hynes set him up on a day when there was cause for more optimism.

GALWAY: J Skehill; C Dervan (0-1), T Óg Regan, S Kavanagh; A Cullinane, J Lee, G Mahon; K Hynes (0-1), R Murray; G Farragher (0-11, nine frees), F Healy (0-4), A Callanan; K Wade (1-2), I Tannian (1-3), N Healy (0-1). Subs: D Forde (0-1) for Murray (32 mins), A Gaynor for Kavanagh (53 mins), S Glynn for Kavanagh (53 mins), J Greene for Tannian (68 mins).

LIMERICK: D Bulfin; D Reale, S Lucey, S Hickey; M O'Riordan, P O'Dwyer, D Cosgrave; D O'Grady (0-3) , P Lawlor; N Moran (0-1), O Moran, K Tobin (0-5, all frees); P Tobin (0-2) , B Begley, D Ryan (0-2). Subs: M O'Brien (0-1) for Lawlor (35 mins), W McNamara for P Tobin (48 mins), G O'Mahony for O'Riordan (50 mins), B Foley (0-1) for O Moran (53 mins), A O'Connor (1-1, free) for K Tobin (56 mins).
Referee: B Kelly (Westmeath).

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