Galway produced a performance full of verve and intent this evening to seal their Leinster final spot against Kilkenny, as they won
Wexford’s short game was devoured by the directness of their opponents for whom Brian Concannon and Fintan Burke who picked up a late shoulder injury, were among the best.
Galway led by six points at half-time, nine in the 48th minute and grew that advantage to 10 by the 56th as Wexford’s challenge wilted dramatically.
The teams were level four times before the first water break was called. Concannon and Conor Whelan were looking dangerous inside while Wexford, when they strung together passes, were breaking hard through the middle.
But the second quarter belonged to Galway. Whelan and Concannon had added further scores when Canning landed a monster free to put his side three up. He followed that up with a 65 after his 20-metre free in the 28th minute was parried away over the end-line.
Wexford's Rory O'Connor and Aidan Harte of Galway. Picture: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo
And then came the Galway goal, Concannon reacting the best to a long-range Canning free that dropped short and Shane O’Neill’s team were eight points to the good.
Paudie Foley and Concannon then exchanged points before Éanna Murphy made a fine save from Matthew O’Hanlon. With his second point from play, Lee Chin finished the scoring for the half and Wexford trailed 0-10 to 1-13.
J Canning (0-9, 7 frees, 1 65, 1 sideline); B Concannon (1-4); C Whelan (0-4); C Mannion, P Mannion, S Loftus (0-2 each); F Burke, J Flynn, J Coen, S Cooney (0-1 each).
L Chin (0-8, 5 frees); R O’Connor (0-3); P Foley (0-2, 1 65); M Fanning (free), A Nolan, P Morris, K Foley (0-1 each).
Monaghan became the first victims of the knock-out championship this year as they lost an extra-time thriller against Cavan.
Goalkeeper Raymond Galligan was the hero as he hit the winner with the last kick of the game.
The winners were in deep trouble but scored six points in succession to force extra time.
Trailing by two at half time in extra time, Martin Reilly got a crucial goal to keep them in contention before Galligan's late heroics.
Cavan now meet Anrtim in the provincial quarter-final.
Leinster Senior Hurling Championship
In the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship, Kilkenny avoided a late scare from Dublin to make it to the Leinster final.
Two late goals from Dublin gave Kilkenny something to think about, but the Black Cats came out on top 3-20 to 2-22.
Munster Senior Hurling Championship
There was a big win for Waterford in the Munster Senior Hurling Championship, as they beat Cork by three points at Semple Stadium.
It was their first win over Cork since the 2017 All Ireland semi-final. Calum Lyons was the goal scorer for the Déise as they won 1-28 to 1-24.
