Chunky’s entry proved pivotal

THE CRITICAL DIFFERENCE. A seven-point gap was a little flattering to Galway and a little harsh on Cork. This was a tight affair where possession around midfield and in the half lines was at a premium.

As a result, very little free flowing hurling was in evidence and for the most part the inside forward lines saw very few quality deliveries. Cork’s full-forward line threatened to overrun Galway’s rearguard early on, Kieran Murphy had two good points and Aisake O hAilpín had the upper hand, but the supply dried up.

Cork’s full-back line, with Shane O’Neill outstanding all through and Eoin Cadogan coping well at different times on Joe Canning, held the much-heralded Galway inside line to three points from play.