There has been a nagging question about what would happen if a team settled on overloading close to goal and making space outside on the majority of their attacks. Three underdogs went for such an approach: Cork, Louth and Monaghan. It paid off.

Now, we note with amusement in some quarters how Galway are a popular dark horse pick year after year despite just two final appearances since Pádraic Joyce’s ten-point masterclass in 2001.

Galway boss Pádraic Joyce said Westmeath's Kevin Sullivan "took about 15 steps" in the build-up to a late goal which caused a dramatic finish at Pearse Stadium

Galway advance to a quarter-final in Croke Park. Westmeath enter what should be a blockbuster round 3.

Every element of their carefully constructed plan worked out.

They led 1-7 to 0-5 at half-time having missed several chances after Conor O’Donnell’s goal. That proved costly in the end

Cleary and his Cork side worked hard for their stunning win over Donegal. They earned time to celebrate it.

Donegal scored just six points in the second half. They didn’t raise a single orange flag. Cork came with a methodical gameplan and executed it perfectly.

Galway's stalwarts get their reward, Limerick's key sideline adjustments, Derry refuse to be driven by heartbreak, and more in this week's hurling championship observations

Pre-sale tickets were released on Wednesday morning for Taylor’s bout against Flora Pili on 5 September. The remaining tickets will go on sale this Friday.