Galway, the All Ireland minor hurling champions just got the better of Offaly in a top class curtain-raiser to yesterday's senior semi-final. The Tribesmen are now on course for a fifth straight title, where they will meet Cork in the final.
It looked all over with nine minutes remaining when the margin was six points. Offaly then won possession in centre field and Kevin Kelly fired in a goal to cut the deficit in half. Galway who were cruising for much of the second half were now in great danger. One minute later the gap was down to a single point after quick points from Dylan Hayden and Ger Rafferty. However hope was short lived, and the reigning champions hit the gas again to pull away to win by a five point margin. Galway's David Greene just shaded the awards on the pitch, his two goals and a single point helped Galway establish the important comfort zone.