Leinster U20 hurling: Galway stage late rally to snatch draw in Offaly

Galway hit the final five points of the game to salvage a draw against Offaly in their pivotal group game in the Leinster Under-20 hurling championship in a windy Tullamore this afternoon.

The visitors led by the minimum at half-time, Darren Shaughnessy's goal leaving them 1-05 to 0-07 in front.

However, Offaly - last year's Leinster champions and All-Ireland finalists - ruled the third quarter, Barry Egan and Adam Screeney scoring heavily as they built up a 0-15 to 1-07 lead with nine minutes remaining.

Dan Ravenhill had a glorious chance to put the result beyond doubt but pushed his penalty wide of the posts. Galway took advantage of this reprieve, Aaron Niland, Oisín Lohan and finally Rory Burke landing points to level the game on a 0-15 to 1-12 scoreline.

Despite the late fade-out, the draw is sufficient to secure the hosts a spot in the knockout phase, Offaly having pipped Dublin in Parnell Park last week.

The Westerners face the Dubs in the final game of the three-way group, with a victory of more than one point enough to send them through to the semis, with Offaly bound for the quarters.

Earlier in Tier 1 Group 2, Laois flew into an nine-point lead against Kilkenny before being blown away in the second half, the heavy wind in Portlaoise accounting for the unusual scoring pattern.

On 19 minutes, with the wind at their backs, Laois led 1-07 to 0-01 against the provincial aristocrats, Cormac Byrne scoring the early goal.

However, Kilkenny sparked to life in the second quarter, Marty Murphy and James Walsh finding the net as they reduced the gap to a point (1-09 to 2-05) at the break.

With the elements in their favour, Kilkenny devoured the home side after the restart, Gearoid Dunne plundering a hat-trick, with Niall Holland