Galway 2-19
Laois 0-11

STEPHEN GLENNON IN BALLINASLOE

SECOND-half goals from James Regan and Joe Canning were key to seeing off the plucky challenge of Laois in a largely disappointing Walsh Cup semi-final at Duggan Park, Ballinasloe on Sunday . . . although the result has set up an interesting joust against All-Ireland champions Kilkenny in the competition’s decider this weekend.

For the opening period, the Tribesmen looked to come to terms with a competitive return to ‘soft ground’ following their heady exploits, where they tallied an impressive 6-25, against UCD on the Astro turf surface in Belfield the week previous.

The return to the sod, though, ensured Sunday’s fare would provide a more realistic assessment and, aside from a frustrating 10 minutes or so before the interval, Galway looked to be progressing nicely under the new team management.

From the off, Galway were businesslike in their approach and at half-time led 0-9 to 0-4 against a Laois outfit that had plenty of street credit entering this fixture following earlier Walsh Cup victories over DIT and reigning Cup holders, Dublin.

Indeed, Teddy McCarthy’s men were still in the hunt following a creditable first-half performance, but this was as much down to Galway’s missed goal chances – and a period of play where Anthony Cunningham’s charges slipped into the old habit of over-playing possession, particularly around the middle third – rather than Laois ingenuity.

In any event, Galway emerged a different side after the break and within less than 20 seconds of the restart, they hit Laois with the sucker-punch as Kevin Hynes set up 24th minute substitute James Regan for the opening goal of the contest.

The prolific Conor Cooney added a point moments later for the Tribesmen and, suddenly, the home side were eight points to the good while Laois, on the other hand, were left with the proverbial mountain to climb.

Credit to Laois, they subsequently rallied through Chris Murray – a super effort – and a Willie Hyland free, but just as they endeavoured to get a foothold in the game once again, Galway hit back with another 1-2.

For more, read this week's Connacht Tribune.