Galway set alarm bells ringing for Cork

Galway 1-27 Cork 1-21: A fine spring day in Salthill yesterday, the home side making the most of the sunshine, romping to a comfortable win over visiting Cork.

For an opening match in NHL Division 1A, this contest had more of a challenge match feel to it at times, Galway hitting points at will and racking up a dozen wides as well. Cork never got to grips with their opponents and failed to challenge them physically, giving best in practically every corner of the field. A winning margin of six points didn’t flatter Galway, who might have run out with a double-digit victory.

After Cork’s early flourish, a dominant half-back line and busy midfield kept the men in maroon on top for most of the first-half, backed by the wind, and but for some wayward shooting they might have had more than six points to spare at the break.