Eoin Sexton, Nicholas Murphy and Anthony Lynch limped off at various stages of the 3-13 to 0-11 qualifier victory over Sligo in Portlaoise on Saturday.

Sexton suffered a dead leg in the first-half and was replaced by Martin Cronin just after the interval.

Murphy also hurt his leg and left the pitch with seven minutes remaining, replaced by Castlehaven’s Dermot Hurley.

And Lynch suffered a hamstring strain near the end with Sean Levis coming in at centre-back.

It’s believed Sexton’s injury is causing most concern, while Murphy is confident of being fit and Lynch’s training will be restricted to ensure his availability.

Cork were given a scare mid-way through the opening half when star forward John Hayes collided with an advertising board near the sideline.

The Carbery Rangers player, who finished with 0-4, required treatment for a cut head and was replaced by Ilen Rovers’ Kevin O’Sullivan.

But Hayes was able to return and completed the game ending any doubts about his fitness against the Connacht champions.

Cork and Galway last met in the championship in the qualifiers of 2001 when the Westerners triumphed by 1-14 to 1-11.

Galway captured a less than distinguished Connacht title by defeating Mayo 0-10 to 0-8 in the final and overcoming Leitrim 1-11 to 1-8 in the semi-final.

Cork and Galway also met in the All-Ireland U-21 semi-final this season, Galway winning an epic contest after Cork clawed their way back from a disastrous opening.

The Cork-Galway tie forms part of a double-header at Croker with All-Ireland champions Kerry taking on Mayo in a repeat of last season’s decider in the other game.

Mayo overcame Cavan by 0-11 to 0-8 in the qualifiers at Dr Hyde Park on Saturday.

Article courtesy of the Evening Echo