Galway 3-16

Kilkenny 2-16

Galway's quest for a three-in-a-row of Irish Press Cups began with a dramatic victory over Kilkenny at Croke Park this afternoon.

In a repeat of last year's All-Ireland final, the Westerners' survived a remarkable comeback by the Cats to hold on for a win which leaves them in a strong position to qualify from the All-Ireland MHC quarter-final round-robin section that also includes Clare, who lost to Kilkenny in the first round.  

Leading by 2-10 to 0-6 at half-time, Galway extended their advantage to 12 points early in the second half before the Cats - inspired by substitute Ian Byrne who scored 2-2 in the second half - battled back to regain parity at 2-12 apiece with 12 minutes remaining. But Brian Hanley's charges composed themselves and scored a third goal through Sean McDonagh in the 50th minute and kept their noses in front thereafter.

Beaten Leinster finalists Kilkenny had the benefit of six matches under ther belt coming into this tie, but with McDonagh firing some great points and Greg Thomas raising green flags in the eighth and 29th minutes, Galway were in complete control at the break.

But Kilkenny staged one of their trademark comebacks in the third quarter with Byrne and free-taker Billy Drennan leading the charge. Crucially, Galway were able to respond with McDonagh's goal and late points from substitute Alex Connaire and Colm Molloy.

Galway - M Egan; E Davoren, E Lawless, A Nolan; E Collins, I McGlynn, C Brennan; L Leen (0-1), O Slevin; T Killeen (0-1), S McDonagh (1-7, 0-3f), C Cunningham; G Lee (0-2), S Morgan, G Thomas (2-2). Subs: A Connaire (0-2) for O Slevin, P Cummins for G Lee, S O'Hanlon for L Leen, R Howley for E Collins, C Molloy (0-1) for T Killeen.

Kilkenny - A Tallis; P McDonald (0-1), W Halpin, T Roche; B Reid, P Moylan, J Aylward; A Hickey, D Walsh; P Blanchfield (0-2), L Moore (0-1), J Doyle; B Drennan (0-6f), T Clifford (0-2), C O'Sullivan (0-1). Subs: I Byrne (2-2, 0-1f) for A Hickey, Z Bay Hammond for D Walsh, B Wheeler (0-1) for J Doyle, S Doyle for B Drennan.

Referee - T Walsh.

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