Two second-half goals by Conor Whelan sent Galway to victory and in turn a Division 1 quarter-final date with Wexford next weekend.

Limerick comfortably dismissed Galway to extend their winning run in the Allianz League to six games going back to last year.

Maher scored a stunning late point with a broken hurley as Borris-Ileigh finished stronger.

IRISH coach David Scott has to plan without his U-21 talent, but will welcome the return of five experienced internationals for a three-game series with Belgium in Brussels later this month.