Rebels show mettle in Salthill

league debutant Niall Coakley in a two-man full-forward line, was a constant threat near goal, but faulty shooting meant he promised far more than he achieved after his excellent strike left Cork leading by 1-1 to 0-2.

Aided by a brace of points from Mark Collins, they were 1-3 to 0-3 to the good with 30 minutes gone, and, playing into a fresh breeze, it seemed as if their first half profligacy was a luxury they’d be well able to afford at that juncture.

Aidan Walsh, Ruairi Deane and Ian Maguire were all working hard to give them an edge around the middle, while their defence shaped up well as a unit, with corner-back Kevin Crowley performing with the utmost efficiency in this sector.

The picture changed dramatically after half time, however, as Galway snatched the initiative for a spell, thanks primarily to improved play from midfielders Paul Conroy and Michael Day, with Michael Daly also making his presence following his introduction at centre-forward.

They were unable to keep the momentum going after moving three points ahead, as Cork rallied to draw level before ace free-taker Barry McHugh nudged Galway in front again in the 54th minute.

Three minutes later, Luke Connolly, put clean through by Mark Collins, squandered a golden opportunity to put Cork back in the driving seat, but they looked odds-on to prevail after forging two points clear two minutes into stoppage time.

Fed by John O’Rourke, who also made a major contribution in attack after being introduced in the 46th minute, Colm O’Neill triggered off a late flourish by the visitors, with Ruairí Deane gathering the resultant kick-out to fire over another point before an exquisite score from O’Neill seemed sufficient to seal the deal.

To their credit, Galway hit back with points from substitutes Cillian McDaid and Cathal Sweeney, but they had good cause to count their blessings after O’Neill failed to break the deadlock with his late effort from a free.