Galway enjoyed a dominant performance against Clare in the Allianz Hurling League, securing a convincing 2-21 to 0-20 victory. The Tribesmen unleashed a powerful attack, spearheaded by Anthony Burns' two goals and Evan Niland's impressive tally from frees. Galway's victory highlights their progress following a challenging start to the league, while Clare will look to regroup ahead of their crucial relegation showdown.
Allianz Hurling League Division 1A Galway 2-21 Clare 0-20 Kevin Egan reports from Pearse Stadium THEY SHOULD have let Micheál Donoghue build the Children’s Hospital. Two weeks ago, Galway supporters trudged out of Pearse Stadium, their confidence every bit as battered as the post-Storm-Éowyn Irish nation was at the time, following their demolition at the hands of Tipperary. The air was glum, as there was an acceptance that a rebuild of an ageing team had been forced upon them.
Now a fortnight later they’ve gone to Nowlan Park to pick up a win over Kilkenny, and an explosive burst of scores before half-time accounted for All-Ireland champions Clare tonight, albeit it was a Clare team with just four of last year’s starting All-Ireland final team there for the throw in. If only the Department of Health knew that there was a man out there who could oversee such a rapid reconstruction project. Last week it was Declan McLoughlin who put his hand up as a serious contender for a starting jersey when 2025 begins to warm up after he scored 2-2 against the Cats. Tonight he was replaced by Anthony Burns, and the Loughrea attacker went one further by reaching that tally by half-time. Corner-backs Dan Loftus and Darren Morrissey were others who showed a strong hand with Tom Monaghan’s graph also trending upwards as a potential midfield option, but Donoghue could also build around a few cornerstones in the form of Conor Whelan and Evan Niland, who added to the potency of the Tribesmen. Whelan put his name on two first-half scores but he also was the focal point of the attack, winning plenty of primary possession and playing a key role in Burns’ second goal. The first of the two green flags, while facilitated by a good turnover from Morrissey and a quick Monaghan pass, was all about Burns’ touch and finish. The two majors came in the middle of a 2-7 to 0-2 run in the 15 minutes before half-time, and while Galway were the better side for most of the contest, that was effectively the difference. Clare’s only purple patch was in the opening quarter-hour when Ryan Taylor and Patrick Crotty struck some excellent points to lay down a marker from key central positions, but once Galway started to establish dominance close to their own goal, the home side settled, albeit initially with a heavy dependence on frees from Niland. 2-15 to 0-11 up at the interval, Galway continued to have the better of things after half-time. But the same zip and vim was no longer in their play, as instead of turning their possession into scores, they instead started working their way towards a tally of 10 second-half wides. Advertisement Against different opposition that might have been a problem, but Clare simply didn’t have the wherewithal to eat into the lead in any meaningful way. The introduction of Aron Shanagher added some heft while Tony Kelly also got minutes, chipping in with a late point. It was never going to make any difference here. But with a crucial relegation showdown against Wexford next on the agenda, Brian Lohan will no doubt be relieved to have that comfort, while knowing that the time for such rampant experimentation might be coming to an end. Scorers for Galway: Evan Niland 0-9 (0-7f, 0-1 65), Anthony Burns 2-3, Tom Monaghan 0-2, Conor Whelan 0-2, Dan Loftus 0-1, Darren Morrissey 0-1, Pádraic Mannion 0-1, Jason Flynn 0-1f, Seán Linnane 0-1. Scorers for Clare: Aidan McCarthy 0-11 (0-8f), Ryan Taylor 0-2, Patrick Crotty 0-2, David Reidy 0-2, Cian Galvin 0-1, Jack O’Neill 0-1, Tony Kelly 0-1. GALWAY: 1 Darach Fahy (Ardrahan) 2 Dan Loftus (Turloughmore) 3 Daithí Burke (Turloughmore) 4 Darren Morrissey (Sarsfields) 5 Pádraic Mannion (Ahascragh-Fohenagh) 6 Gavin Lee (Clarinbridge) 7 Cillian Trayers (Turloughmore) 8 Cianan Fahy (Ardrahan) 9 Tom Monaghan (Craughwell) 10 John Fleming (Meelick-Eyrecourt) 13 Evan Niland (Clarinbridge) 11 Tiernan Killeen (Loughrea) 12 Brian Concannon (Killimordaly) 14 Conor Whelan (Kinvara) 15 Anthony Burns (Loughrea) Subs: 17 Fintan Burke (St. Thomas’) for D Burke (13) 23 Kevin Cooney (Sarsfields) for Concannon (46) 26 Jason Flynn (Tommy Larkins) for Niland (46) 22 Seán Linnane (Turloughmore) for Fleming (53) 20 Eoin Lawless (Athenry) for Trayers (66) CLARE: 16 Eamonn Foudy (Inagh Kilnamona) 2 Ian McNamara (Killanena) 5 Darragh Lohan (Wolfe Tones) 4 Adam Hogan (Feakle) 7 Cian Galvin (Clarecastle) 6 Ross Hayes (Crusheen) 17 Jack O’Neill (Clooney-Quin) 21 Paddy Donnellan (Broadford) 8 Ryan Taylor (Clooney-Quin) 9 Cathal Malone (Sixmilebridge) 10 Patrick Crotty (Scariff) 12 Seán Rynne (Inagh Kilnamona) 20 Aidan McCarthy (Inagh Kilnamona) 15 David Reidy (Éire Óg) 18 Keith Smyth (Killanena) Subs: 24 Rory Hayes for Lohan (35+2) 14 Aron Shanagher for Smyth (48) 19 Colm O’Meara (Clonlara) for Rynne (53) 25 Tony Kelly (Ballyea) for Donnellan (55) 11 David Conroy (St. Joseph’s Doora-Barefield) for Referee: Michael Kennedy (Tipperary
Hurling Allianz Hurling League Galway Clare Anthony Burns Evan Niland Brian Lohan Micheál Donoghue David Reidy Aidan Mccarthy
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Galway v Clare LIVE score updates from Allianz Hurling League clashThe sides clash tonight in Salthill.
Read more »
Galway vs. Clare: Division 1A Hurling Clash at Pearse StadiumGalway looks to build on their recent win against Kilkenny, while Clare seeks to bounce back from an opening loss to Kilkenny. Find out where to watch the game, the latest betting odds, and more.
Read more »
Clare Take on Kilkenny in Allianz National Hurling League OpenerClare, the reigning All-Ireland Champions, face off against Kilkenny in the opening weekend of the Allianz National Hurling League. The match takes place at Cusack Park with both teams eager to set the tone for the season.
Read more »
Kilkenny Stun Clare in Dramatic Allianz Hurling League OpenerKilkenny edged out reigning All-Ireland champions Clare in a thrilling Allianz National Hurling League Division 1A encounter at Cusack Park. Despite facing a seven-point deficit, the Cats fought back with resilience and tactical brilliance to secure a hard-fought 0-23 to 0-21 victory.
Read more »
Five talking points as Allianz Hurling League returns: Tipp surge, Galway falterThe new-look Allianz Hurling League has much greater jeopardy attached this year.
Read more »
Clare and Cork to open Munster hurling championship in repeat of All-Ireland finalTipperary will host Limerick in the other round one fixture on Sunday, April 20th
Read more »