Watch: Galway dethrone Dubs to capture second Leinster U20HC title

July 27, 2021

Dublin's Paddy Doyle and Padhraic Linehan tackle John Cooney of Galway. ©INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan.

Galway captured their second Leinster U20 hurling championship title when they dethroned Dublin following a 2-15 to 0-15 win in Portlaoise this evening.

The Tribesmen were beaten by the Dubs in last year's final - played five weeks ago - but they had the bit between their teeth this time as goals either side of the break from Oisin Flannery and John Cooney proved to be the crucial scores.

Jeffrey Lynskey's side paid tribute to their late former minor teammate Connell Keane the way they wanted to by producing an accomplished display while it was a badly needed boost for the county after the exit of both senior teams from the championship.

The sides went in level at half-time on 1-7 to 0-10 with Ciaran Foley firing over five pointed frees and Kevin Lahiff and Dara Purcell pilfering two each from play for the holders - Oisin Flannery's eight minute goal ensured Galway held a narrow 1-4 to 0-5 lead by the first water-break.

Showing shades of his two-time All-Ireland winning dad Joe, Cooney's goal, straight on the resumption of the second-half was a sublime piece of skill as he raced through the heart of the Dublin defence and unleashed an unstoppable shot to the top corner of the net. 

Foley and Patrick Dunleavy followed up with points but the Tribesmen kept picking off their own, and despite registering eleven wides after the break, they saw out the contest comfortably with two Donal O'Shea frees and a sideline cut from Sean McDonagh.

 

 


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