Hurling: Tipperary defeat Tribesmen

Tipperary 4-13 Galway 1-17

Holders Tipperary got through to the semi-final of the Allianz National Hurling League with a five-point win over Galway in a disappointing quarter final at Thurles today, which failed to ignite.

Tipperary dominated the first half. They had a goal from Larry Corbett inside 30 seconds and another from John O'Brien on the 19th minute as they built up an interval lead of 2-10 to 0-02.

Tipperary looked unassailable - but a Eugene Cloonan goal in the first minute of the second half gave Galway hope.

However, a John O'Brien goal in the 12th minute kept Tipperary comfortably clear.

Galway stayed on the offensive and a succession of points cut the lead to three points by the 32nd minute.

The possibility of a Galway shock looked likely but sub Brian O'Meara sealed the win for Tipperary with a goal a minute later.

Tipperary slumped after an excellent first half. Their most consistent players were Philip Maher, Eoin Kelly and Paul Ormonde, while John O'Brien took his scores well.

For Galway, Joe Rabbitte and Eugene Cloonan did most to revive them. Damian Hayes, Cathal Moore and Liam Hodgins were also to the fore.