Immense performances from Galway’s forwards saw them overcome Waterford in an entertaining 4-28 to 3-23 encounter at Pearse Stadium.
BY RORY CORBETT
Joe Canning, Brian Concannon and Conor Whelan combined for 3-16 as Galway came from seven points behind to beat Waterford at Pearse Stadium.
With a personal tally of 1-8, Galway talisman Canning gave one of his most complete performance in recent seasons.
Scoring from open play, assisting his fellow forwards with beautifully weighted passes and eventually sending one of his vintage sideline cuts soaring over the bar in the second half, the Portumna man was key to the home side’s success.
While Liam Cahill’s men showed flashes of brilliance and early bursts of pace and power, a lack of consistency found them chasing the game in the second half.
The Déise proved their ability to score as goals from Jack Prendergast, Shane Bennett and Dessie Hutchinson kept the pressure on the home side, while Calum Lyons came up from defence to nail 0-5.
Hutchinson has emerged as contender for goal of the season, catching a high ball beautifully before charging towards goal and sending a long-distance screamer into the top of the Galway net.
Strong impacts from Waterford substitutes Darragh Lyons and Patrick Curran gave the Deise encouragement but not enough to catch the Tribesmen.
With Galway just about out of sight of their opponents, Concannon sealed the deal in the 56th minute after immense work from Whelan and a touch of class from Canning allowed him to find the net.
In a lively fixture which saw a total over 70 points scored, Galway emerged as deserved winners, looking sharp, accurate and ready for championship hurling.
After his incredible man of the match performance, Whelan praised the efforts of his teammates.
“Everyone was working really hard out there…we’re just happy to get the win really.”
Next weekend Galway will turn their attention to Cork ,while Waterford prepare for a clash against Tipperary.
