If you read certain media publications this week, this fixture was a procession. The vilification of Leinster SHC in full view as pundits politely dismissed Galway’s challenge based on the form line of Dublin and Offaly in their All Ireland quarter final exits.
Our hurling podcast this week did not accept this narrative. It laid the foundations on how Galway would setup the platform to win today. The Tipperary 2025 All Ireland SHC final playbook executed with ruthless precision as shellshocked Cork had no answer.
This Galway performance was composed throughout. The game plan was clear for each player on duty in the opening half. The middle third creating the scoring platform early as all six Galway forwards were on the scoreboard midway through the half.
The initial Galway surge yielded an early goal. Darragh Neary gambling and making that deep run. Conor Whelan winning possession and launching the wing forward away. Mark Coleman exposed for not tracking his marker. Neary slotted home past Patrick Collins.
An early five point lead for Galway was gradually eroded by Cork who took the patient approach, stroking the sliothar side to side looking for the moment to launch in the Cork full forward line.
Cathal Mannion’s movement and position in the pocket causing Cork chaos. Cork overthinking the process. The run game from deep nonexistent.
Cork though appeared to solve the equation in the second quarter. A fiercely contest sideline ball went Cork’s favor and the delivery deep into the Galway full back line saw Alan Walsh collect and drive the ball home for a superb goal.
A four point lead established by Cork but Galway hit the next three scores to end the half only a point behind. 1-13 to 1-12 at the break. Galway now looking to push up on Cork’s back line on the restart.
Let’s set the context. Cork a point clear at half-time, playing with the breeze. The opportunity to kill off the contest early in the third quarter should have been the mantra but Cork performance both on the line and on the pitch passive.
Galway reverted to man to man. They looked Cork in the eye and asked serious questions in third quarter. Galway with massive work rate in the middle third setting up score after score. Cork’s middle third setup collapsed. Ben O’Connor and management froze, the tide was maroon and white.
Cork under pressure defensively. Cahalane yellow carded and was replaced at half-time. Eoin Downey back in full back under pressure from Jason Rabbitte then withdrawn. Sean O’Donoghue walked the tightrope with an opening half yellow card.
Cork’s discipline issue in Croke Park exposed. Darragh Fitzgibbon with two yellow cards. The second yellow card was so poor. Fitzgibbon with the hit on Ronan Glennon’s helmet. The game now an uphill task for Cork.
Galway’s middle third work rate was superior to Cork’s. Gavin Lee was imperious in the half back and midfield areas. The Clarinbridge clubman allowing Cathal Mannion to roam and distribute. Tiernan Killeen with an all action performance.
Bench impact was with the Tribesmen. Conor Cooney introduced with the injury time and tagged on a lovely point from distance. John Fleming with another long range score. 1-2 from the bench in comparison to Cork with two points from Buckley and Walsh.
This Galway side has a different feel to it. In past seasons, that Alan Walsh goal would have been a dagger blow but Galway’s resiliency on the setback stood out. They remained composed and like in the Leinster SHC final closed out the game with plenty to spare.
Darach Fahy with excellent distribution and a pivotal save from Shane Barrett who along with Brian Hayes carried the Cork attacking threat. Both Cork players contributed ten points to the cause collectively. The other attacking threats snuffed out.
Galway advance to the All Ireland SHC final in two weeks time. An opportunity to enhance Daithi Burke’s fitness as his knee was a source of concern today. No genuine injuries from the fixture so the focus now is on July 19th. They are a live threat.
Where now for Cork? This three year period should have yielded at least one Liam McCarthy. Last year was traumatic but today is probably worse.
The skeletons of past Croke Park trauma came out in the third quarter. Both management (new) and the player group failed to react and adapt to the changing Galway gameplan.
The quest for Liam McCarthy goes into the twenty-second year. This will be a long winter for Cork management and players. How do they get over the line when at Croke Park? There is no quick fix and media pundits will be wary of committing to Cork fully until they can get over the line.
Cork’s twenty-seven score attempts spoke volumes compared to Galway’s forty-two efforts. Galway’s middle third dominance and work rate is the story of today. The hurling championship script has been ripped up. Limerick will be duly warned. Clare will be enthused.