Galway Minor Hurlers Advance To All Ireland Semi-Final

Galway are through to the semi-finals of the All-Ireland Minor Hurling Championship after a two-point win over Clare in O'Moore Park, Portlaoise today.

A close run affair in the opening stages saw Galway take a three-point half time lead thanks to a penalty from Sean McDonagh, who scored a number of points alongside Colm Cunningham, Alex Connaire, Gavin Lee and Greg Thomas.

The second half saw Clare rally with the Banner's Shane Meehan proving his worth with a number of points in the first ten minutes. With 43 mins gone Clare took the lead for the first time since early in the first - half. Galway responded by pushing up on the Clare puck out but Clare substitute Sean Ronan scored two early points to extend Clare’s lead to 3 points before Galway’s Sean O’Hanlon clawed it back to a two-point game with 12 minutes left.

Sean McDonagh’s free put just a point between the sides Clare: 0-20 Galway: 1-16. Another point from Sean O’ Hanlon saw Galway level the game. Clare’s Storm Devanney received a straight red card for a challenge on Galway’s Shane Morgan and the resulting free from Sean McDonagh put Galway back into a one-point lead. Clare levelled once more and despite a Clare goal from Cian Galvin, points from Galway substitutes Sean O’ Hanlon and Paddy Cummins proved vital to ensure a win for Brian Hanleys' charges.   

Final score Galway 1-24
Clare 1-22

Galway now face Wexford in the All Ireland Semi-Final next Sunday 28th July.

Galway Manager Brian Hanley spoke to Galway Bay Fm's Sean Walsh after today's victory:

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Galway Bay Fm's Liam Hodgins gives his analysis of Galway's win:

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