GALWAY MINORS ON TOP FORM AS WELL

Galway 1-20 Limerick 0-12

A GOAL from Donal O’shea just before half-time proved crucial for Galway as they got the defence of their All-ireland title off to a flying start at Semple Stadium.

O’shea, a son of former Tipperary All-ireland winning manager Eamonn, was also on form from placed balls for the Tribesmen and kept Limerick at arm’s length throughout.

Cathal O’neill hit eight points for Limerick but the Treatymen were always second best – despite this being their fifth competitive game of the summer as opposed to Galway’s first.

With O’shea and Keelan Creaven on target early on, Galway worked their way into a three-point lead as half-time approached.

But O’shea’s goal in the 29th minute gave them a 1-11 to 0-6 cushion at the break.

O’neill kept Limerick in touch from placed balls but Galway finished strongly and Diarmuid Kilcommins and Colm Cunningham got in on the act.