Déise depth shines through

A MAGNIFICENT contest in summer-like conditions in Walsh Park in this crucial final-round Allianz Hurling League yesterday, and a nerve-wracking final few minutes as Galway went in search of the win that would guarantee a place in the final.

It all came down to a free from 65 metres on the right that the gifted Joe Canning would point in his sleep. A point would tie the game but with news coming from Cork that Dublin were ahead and likely to end the campaign on a total of 10 points, a draw was of no use to the Tribesmen, who would then have finished on nine.

Joe was sent back in around the square, wing-back David Burke posted a dangerous centre, but the Waterford defence (what a performance from Brick Walsh!) stood firm, won possession, and with it, won the game.