Tipperary come out on top of shoot out with Galway

The goal graphic on the brand-new Semple Stadium big screen was held in reserve until the 74th minute as Gearóid O'Connor’s penalty ensured Tipperary held out for an Allianz League victory over Galway.

The Westerners had stormed back from eight points behind in the second half but could never edge ahead as points from Seamus Kennedy and O’Connor pushed the hosts back in front.

They won it when Kennedy turned over Galway as they worked the sliotar out from the back and Conor Stakelum was cynically hauled down by Seán Linnane. Colm Lyons brandished a black card and awarded a penalty which O’Connor drove to the net.

That took his tally to 1-13 and saw the Moyne-Templetuohy man deservedly pick up the man of the match award. It’s a victory that puts Tipp in pole position for a place in the Allianz Hurling League semi-finals at the top of Group B alongside Limerick.

Both managers made four changes from their respective opening-day victories over Dublin and Westmeath last weekend.

Liam Cahill's switches included a League debut for Moneygall man Seán Kenneally, while Henry Shefflin introduced St Thomas’ brothers Shane and Conor Cooney in two late changes to the programme for Eoin Lawless and Linnane.

Tipperary got off to a flying start as they built up a six-point lead within 19 minutes, 0-10 to 0-04.

It could’ve been more but for a trio of Seán Ryan goal chances going awry. He fresh-aired a tricky first attempt from a Kenneally pass before TJ Brennan got in a block on his next effort.

But the Templederry man continued to have the run on the Galway defence and would’ve netted but for a fine save by Darach Fahy. Brennan fouled Ryan on the next delivery inside and was subbed off soon after.

Tipp had a couple of early subs of their own.