Cork keep Galway in check to book Allianz Hurling League semi-final spot

A Patrick Horgan goal proved crucial as Cork overcame Galway in Division 1A in front of over 13,000 supporters at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

The scenario was straightforward for Cork manager Kieran Kingston ahead of throw-in. Victory over Galway would cement a place in the Allianz Hurling League Division 1 semi-finals with the added bonus of a game to spare.

As for Cork's opponents, Galway were looking to bounce back from a disappointing defeat to Wexford.

Cork moved three points up inside 7 minutes as Robbie O’Flynn, Shane Barrett and Patrick Horgan (free) split the posts. Ronan Glennon replied for Galway and the scores kept coming as Harnedy and Conor Cooney (free) exchanged points.

Galway trailed 0-7 to 0-5 at the conclusion of a lively opening quarter as Horgan and O’Flynn traded scores with Ronan Glennon, Cathal Mannion and Tom Monaghan. The latter and Robert Downey received early yellow cards before Galway enjoyed a purple patch and moved within a point of the hosts.

A pivotal moment occurred after 27 minutes when Patrick Horgan raced clear and found the bottom corner of the net to edge Cork four points clear. Late flurries of scores at either end saw the Rebels change ends 1-13 to 0-11 in front.

Patrick Horgan with the first goal of the game as the Cork ace pounces on a mistake in the Galway defence.