The Dublin hurlers got off to the worst possible start in Division 1A of the Allianz League yesterday. Anthony Daly's men lost to Galway by 28 points to 1-12 at Pearse Stadium in Salthill. The Galway attack caused problems for the Dublin defence all afternoon as they cruised to victory over 14-man Dublin. The Tribemen led 0-16 to 0-6 at the break and had extended their advantage to 0-20 to 0-7 when Conal Keaney was sent off for a second yellow card offence seven minutes into the second half.
The only goal of the game arrived ten minutes from time when sub Seán McGrath hit the back of the net but it had little impact on scoreline. Dublin had opening the first half well with points from David O'Callaghan and Mark Schutte inside the opening two minutes but failed to score again from play until Ryan O'Dwyer's score in the second minute of the second half.
The Galway attack didn't take long into their get into their stride with Conor Cooney pointing four first half frees while debutants Jason Flynn and Cathal Mannion as well as the experienced Jonathan Glynn and Niall Healy starred in their attack with Mannion hitting four points from play. Galway were ten points clear by half half time with sub Alan McCrabbe converting two frees late for the Dubs following his introduction for an out of sorts Paul Ryan. It was much of the same in the second half with Galway still holding the upperhand as they swept to victory in emphatic fashion. Next up for the Dubs is Clare at Parnell Park next Sunday - the All Ireland champions edged out Kilkenny by 1-16 to 18 points in Ennis yesterday.
Galway: C Cooney (0-5f), N Healy (0-1f) 0-6 each, J Flynn, C Mannion 0-4 each, J Glynn 0-3, P Breheny 0-2, A Harte, D Collins, D Glennon 0-1 each.
Dublin: A McCrabbe 0-4 (0-4f), S McGrath 1-1 (0-1f), D O'Callaghan 0-3, P Ryan 0-2 (0-2f), M Schutte, R O'Dwyer 0-1 each. Here's the thoughts of Anthony Daly after the game:
