Alan Kerins banged in four goals as Galway got their All-Ireland SHC qualifier campaign off to a thrilling start in Portlaoise.

Galway hurling manager Conor Hayes has confirmed his panel for the forthcoming All-Ireland SHC qualifiers with teenage sensation Joe Canning a notable absentee.

Galway manager Conor Hayes has altered his attack for tomorrow's crucial NHL Division 1B tussle with Tipperary (Semple Stadium, throw-in 3.30pm).

Galway failed to end their 17-year wait for an All-Ireland senior hurling title at Croke Park today as champions Cork retained the Liam McCarthy Cup in manager John Allen's first season in charge.

Champions Cork hold a two-point lead at half-time in today’s 117th Guinness All-Ireland Senior Hurling Final, which is being watched by a sell-out 82,300 Croke Park crowd.

Whatever way you look at this afternoon's All-Ireland senior hurling final between champions Cork and pretenders to the throne Galway, it seems John Allen's Rebels will come out on top (Croke Park, throw-in 3.30pm).

Kilkenny seem to have the knack of reaching - and more often than not - winning All-Ireland finals and today Galway try upset that trend in the Guinness SHC semi-final at Croke Park (3.30pm).

Galway staged a dramatic Croke Park comeback, hitting a goal and six points in the final 13 minutes of the first of today's All-Ireland SHC quarter-finals, to edge out Tipperary and book their place in the last four.

At 5.15pm, there's a distinct chance that all four semi-final spots in this year's All-Ireland hurling championship could be occupied by Munster counties.

Alan Kerins, an Under-21 All-Ireland winner in 1996, has returned to the Galway line-up for Sunday's All-Ireland SHC quarter-final tie with Tipperary (Croke Park, throw-in 2pm).

Group One leaders Galway have made two changes for tomorrow's televised All-Ireland SHC qualifier tie against Limerick at the Gaelic Grounds (throw-in 7pm).

TYRONE have named an unchanged team for Sunday’s Ulster final clash with Armagh at Croke Park.

The Galway hurlers have made one change ahead of their All-Ireland SHC second round qualifier against Antrim tomorrow at Pearse Stadium (throw-in 3pm).

MORE than a decade after watching twin brother Michael establish himself on the Galway hurling team, Liam Donoghue is all the more conscious of making the most of his time at the top level.

Kilkenny have hammered Galway in the Guinness Hurling Championship Round Three Qualifier today.

Galway 0-07 Kilkenny 1-09

Three years ago, Kilkenny lined up against Galway in the All-Ireland semi-final.

Galway coach Conor Hayes has named an unchanged side from that which beat Down in their All-Ireland qualifer for Sunday's clash with All-Ireland champions Kilkenny.

Down 1-14 Galway 5-19

Down 1-14 Galway 5-19

Galway boss Conor Hayes has named a strong side for their championship opener against Down on Saturday.

Galway 2-15 Waterford 1-13

Galway boss Conor Hayes has left a vacancy at midfield ahead of Sunday's NHL Division One final against Waterford at the Gaelic Grounds.

FT: Galway 3-15 Limerick 1-10, Pearse Stadium.

HT: Galway 0-07 Limerick 0-08, Pearse Stadium.

IT was two years ago in Ballinasloe that Kilkenny manager Brian Cody first unveiled some of the talent that would go on to help Kilkenny to back-to-back All-Ireland titles.

Galway boss Conor Hayes has named two debutants in his side to face Dublin in the opening series of the National League this weekend.

One vacancy has been left in the Galway side to face Kilkenny in the All-Ireland hurling semi-final this Sunday.

Three Championship debutants will line out for Galway in Sunday's All-Ireland Hurling Quarter-Final against Derry at Croke Park

Three Championship debutants will line out for Galway in Sunday's All-Ireland Hurling Quarter-Final against Derry at Croke Park.