Cummins restores Galway pride

Galway 1-12 Down 0-08

Galway fans were fearing a late Down rally, especially after James McCartan’s men had squandered a few goal chances, but Danny Cummins wrapped it all up for the Tribesmen when he blasted to the net two minutes from time. The sub, who finished off a surging run from the impressive Gary Sice, is a grandson of former Down All-Ireland winner Patsy O’Hagan and on a day when these two counties produced an open game that was typical of their legacy, it was fitting that Cummins should grab the crucial score.

This was a game Galway just had to win and that hunger was apparent throughout. Yet, as they held a two points lead in the final quarter, it took a couple of good saves from Thomas Healy to deny Donal O’Hare and Niall Madine, while sub Ryan Johnston sent a great chance across the goalmouth and out for one of their nine wides.