Dublin and Galway advance to Walsh Cup Final

Dublin and Galway advanced to next Saturday’s Bord na Móna Walsh Cup Final at Croke Park (5pm), following wins over Laois and Carlow respectively this afternoon.

David Treacy (0-9), Conal Keaney (1-3) and Eamonn Dillon (1-2) were to the fore for Dublin in their 2-18 to 1-11 win over Laois at O’Moore Park, Portlaoise.

Dublin booked a place in their fifth final in six years, despite letting an 11-point lead almost slip, as Laois mounted a strong second half comeback.

The visitors led throughout with Conal Keaney netting their only goal after seven minutes

With Treacy sublime from placed-balls, Dublin led by 1-9 to 0-6 at half-time, as Laois kept in touch through points from Matthew Whelan, John Purcell, Tommy Fitzgerald, Stephen Maher and Neil Foyle.

Dublin moved 11 points clear seven minutes on the restart following a Dillon score, after a string of five unanswered points.

However Laois shot 1-0 without reply including a penalty goal from half time sub Zane Keenan to bring the O'Moore's right into contention.

Dublin were reduced to 14-men during this spell, following a Michael Carton red card, but stood firm, with Dillon netting 68th minute goal on the way to a 10-point win.

Galway pushed past a determined Carlow outfit, to record a 2-18 to 0-15 win at Netwatch Dr. Cullen Park.

The Tribesmen didn't have it all their way, with Carlow leading after 18 minutes by 0-6 to 0-4, after scores from Diarmuid Byrne and John Michael Nolan pushed the hosts ahead.

But Galway turned the tide, with a Padraig Brehony injury-time goal helping them to a 1-9 to 0-9 interval lead.

Galway were more composed in the second half, and moved five points clear inside five minutes of the restart.

Marty Kavanagh kept the scoreboard ticking over for Carlow with his dead-ball accuracy, but Pat English's side failed to get within three points of Galway in the second half.

Galway sealed the issue three minutes from time, with Jonathan Glynn netting their second goal to ensure a 2-16 to 0-15 lead, and Galway tagged on two further points to ensure a nine-point victory.