All-Ireland club champions Portumna have qualified for their ninth Galway SHC final in 12 years thanks to a 1-15 to 0-15 victory over a wasteful Craughwell in Athenry yesterday.

A first-minute goal from county star Joe Canning - who celebrated his 26th birthday on Saturday - proved decisive as Portumna edged out a Craughwell team that was left to rue a tally of 19 wides. Kevin Hayes had given the champions an early lead before Canning raised the only green flag.

Fergal Healy got Craughwell off the mark, but a haul of 1-4 from Canning ensured Portumna of a 1-8 to 0-6 interval lead.

Canning added four more points in the second half as the holders survived a late scare when Craughwell goalkeeper Aidan Ryan's huge free landed in the goalmouth before going harmlessly wide.

Owing to Turloughmore's appeal against their expulsion from the Galway SHC, it could be several weeks before Portumna discover who their final opponents are.

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